The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular IPL franchises. The franchise has been a part of the IPL since its inception, having competed in all 17 seasons of the lucrative competition. However, it is currently awaiting its first title. Before the IPL 2025 major auctions, which are expected to occur later this month, RCB retained three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.

RCB will have three Right To Match (RTM) cards available in the mega auctions, and the franchise owners are hoping to bring back as many players as possible. The squad has had a great 2024 season and wants to convert their maiden IPL title with a significant team restructuring from the Mega Auction, as they have the potential to acquire top players from the under-the-hammer roster. Here are the five top-player recommendations for the side to target in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will be one of the targets of the loyal fanbase-backed squad in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for apparent reasons. Rahul had a fantastic IPL 2016 with RCB. However, he missed the 2017 season due to injuries and was released before the 2018 Mega Auction. He later played for the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Lucknow Super Giants, but he could return to his home franchise, which has only kept three players, including a colossal purchasing purse.

Rahul has always been liked by the RCB faithful, partly because he is from Bengaluru, and the team is in dire need of a reliable wicketkeeper batter. Fans should anticipate that RCB will bid quite expensively for Rahul in the blockbuster auction. In the 2024 edition, he has made a commendable 520 runs in 14 matches with four half-centuries.

Mitchell Starc

RCB has historically struggled with a reliable bowling attack, which has been overlooked by their dynamic batting lineup, and Mitchell Starc can help address that gap. Starc's ability to perform in high-pressure circumstances and his previous stint with RCB in 2015 suggest he might be the missing piece in RCB's quest for their first IPL victory. His expertise and talent in T20 cricket make him an excellent choice to command their bowling unit.

In IPL 2024, as the most expensive player in the tournament ever, Starc demonstrated his brilliance by collecting crucial wickets and maintaining an exceptional economy rate during playoffs, further cementing his worth to a club needing bowling consistency. In his triumphant 2024 campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken 17 wickets in 14 matches. 

Will Jacks

Will Jacks, another major player for RCB in the 2024 season, had a massive influence after replacing Maxwell in the playing XI. Jack's ability to dominate pacers and spinners and his helpful spin bowling may urge RCB to utilise their RTM to keep him. With his swashbuckling style, he can restore the team's batting glory days, as they have the opportunity to win their first title through a restructure in the upcoming Mega Auction.

In eight matches, the 25-year-old English all-rounder scored 230 runs at a fantastic 175.57 strike rate, including a spectacular 41-ball century against the Gujarat Titans.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Mumbai Indians should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj, who has been at RCB since 2018, was also included on the list of players revealed ahead of the mega auction. Siraj grabbed 15 wickets in 14 IPL 2024 matches while maintaining a solid economy rate of 9.19 economy. But as they say, every player has a rough patch in their sporting stint; Siraj will be desperate to come back with a bang through the fierce and intense 2025 IPL.

He is well-known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, but his recent improvements at death bowling make him an invaluable asset. RCB may use their RTM option to bring him back, as they need a reliable Indian pacer who can spearhead the team's bowling attack and align with its goals by being aware of the Indian conditions. 

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra, the all-rounder from New Zealand, is one of cricket's hottest prospects, making him a priority target for several prominent teams in the forthcoming IPL 2025 big auction. He had a terrific time with CSK throughout the 2024 IPL season, but now that they have opted not to put him on the retention list, RCB might consider him a top-order alternative to Virat Kohli.

Ravindra has the talent and skill to adjust to varied circumstances with the bat and ball, which should serve him well regardless of where he ends up in the next edition. Though he had a mediocre debut IPL sit-in with the Chennai Super Kings by scoring just 222 runs in ten games, his awareness of the Indian conditions would act as the major USP for the team to acquire his services. 

Australian seamer Mitchell Starc marked another milestone in his illustrious career, achieving 100 ODI wickets on home soil during a fiery spell against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday. The experienced pacer rattled the Pakistan lineup with a remarkable display of pace and control, securing his place among Australian greats. Meanwhile, Starc also shared his disappointment regarding a lack of communication from his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who released him ahead of the 2025 season despite his contributions to their 2024 title win.

Starc’s spell wreaks havoc against Pakistan

In the first ODI against Pakistan, Starc delivered a spectacular new-ball performance that immediately placed Pakistan under pressure. His pace and precision paid dividends as he dismissed openers Saim Ayyub and Abdullah Shafique in quick succession. Starc’s first victim, debutant Ayyub, fell after getting an inside edge back onto his stumps in Starc’s second over. Not stopping there, he removed Shafique shortly after, as the batter inadvertently edged the ball to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis while attempting to leave the delivery. Starc later shattered the stumps of Shaheen Afridi, finishing his spell with figures of 3/33 in ten overs.

This outstanding performance helped Starc reach the coveted milestone of 100 ODI wickets in Australia, making him only the sixth Australian bowler to achieve this feat. He joined the elite company of legends Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Craig McDermott, and Steve Waugh. With Pakistan struggling to maintain momentum, Starc’s impressive spell left them floundering after losing both openers at 24 runs, putting Australia in a strong position early in the game.

Starc gets the ball rolling! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/CYXcVECkj1

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 4, 2024

See Also: BCCI mulling to take strict action against Gautam Gambhir following an annihilating series whitewash

KKR exit leave Starc disappointed despite stellar IPL season

Despite his success on the international front, Starc’s IPL career encountered a setback after KKR decided not to retain him for the 2025 season. The seamer expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the KKR management, as he was not informed of his release. The IPL retention policy now allows franchises to retain up to six players, leading KKR to secure the services of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy. Starc and winning captain Shreyas Iyer were among those released, a decision that surprised fans given Starc’s pivotal role in KKR’s 2024 title win.

Reflecting on the abrupt decision, Starc stated, “I still haven’t heard from them. It is what it is, that’s franchise cricket.” Despite the release, his contributions were memorable: acquired for a record INR 24.75 crore, Starc played a crucial role in KKR’s championship run, claiming 17 vital wickets, including match-winning performances in the playoffs and final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore acknowledged the challenge of retention decisions following a title win, noting the difficulty of maintaining a champion squad under the new guidelines.

The world of cricket is never short of drama and surprises. In the latest twist, Australia’s star fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has opened up about his exclusion from the Super 8 fixture against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. Starc’s benching to make way for Ashton Agar was a controversial decision that sparked widespread debate among fans and experts alike.

Exclusion from the match against Afghanistan

The decision to bench Starc in the crucial Super 8 match against Afghanistan was surprising. The team management opted to bring in left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, hoping his spin would be more effective given the conditions.

See Also: BCCI overlooks Kohli, consults Hardik Pandya for Gambhir’s new role: Report

Ashton Agar’s performance in the match was commendable. He bowled economically, giving away just 17 runs in his four overs and successfully containing the Afghan batters during the middle overs. Despite his efforts, Australia failed to capitalize and ended up losing the match by 21 runs.

Australia’s exit

Australia’s early departure from the T20 World Cup were disappointing for fans and the team alike. Several factors contributed to this outcome, including strategic decisions, player performances, and perhaps a bit of bad luck. Analyzing the statistical performance of the team provides insight into what went wrong.

Mitchell Starc’s perspective

In a candid discussion on the WillowTalk podcast, Starc shared his thoughts on being left out of the playing XI. He explained that the decision was based on the pitch conditions and the effectiveness of spin bowling in previous matches at the venue.

“They saw previous games on that ground with spin playing a part and obviously Ash and the left-armer enticing them to make a change,” Starc said on the WillowTalk podcast.

Criticism of Pre-tournament seedings

Starc also voiced his criticism regarding the pre-tournament seedings. He argued that Australia’s position did not reflect their capabilities and affected their group stage matchups. Analyzing the seeding process and its impact on the tournament’s outcomes sheds light on potential areas for improvement.

Another point of contention was the scheduling of the matches. Australia’s schedule, which included late-night arrivals and early games, was far from ideal. These logistical issues likely impacted the players’ performance and preparation.

“We finished ahead of England and end up where we were pre-seeded as the second side. All of a sudden, you’re in a different group. We had the two night games and the third was a day game, so it wasn’t the best preparation. We had a delayed flight out of St Vincent, a 90-minute drive from the airport to the hotel in St Lucia, our players got in late by night and then a 10 o’clock toss,” he added.

Starc’s tournament performance

Despite the controversies, Starc’s performance in the tournament was a mix of highs and lows. He took five wickets in as many games, but his economy rate and average were not up to his usual standards.

Australia’s T20 World Cup 2024 preparations have taken an unexpected but strategic turn. Key players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head will miss their national side’s warm-up matches as they return home to Australia for a brief respite. This move aims to ensure these key players are well-rested and refreshed ahead of the high-stakes tournament.

Key players Missing Warm-Up Matches

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head, pivotal members of Australia’s squad, will not participate in the warm-up matches. After a gruelling season, including their participation in the IPL final, the decision was made to give them a short break to recharge. This temporary absence is part of a broader strategy to prioritize player well-being over immediate match readiness.

See Also: OTD in 2012: KKR won their maiden IPL title by defeating CSK

Impact of IPL Participation

The IPL has seen significant participation from Australian players, with Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green being notable mentions. Maxwell and Green were integral to Royal Challengers Bangaluru’s playoff run, showcasing their prowess in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues. Their experience in the IPL is expected to be invaluable for Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Strategic Break Before the World Cup

The rationale behind allowing players a short break is rooted in long-term planning. Australian team management believes that a few days at home with family will help players mentally and physically rejuvenate. Mitchell Marsh, who will captain Australia in this global event, emphasized the importance of flexibility and prioritizing players’ needs.

“It’s important to be flexible. Guys have been at the IPL. They’ve been playing a lot of cricket so we’ve prioritized giving them a couple of days at home, see their family, refresh and play the long game for this tournament. We’ll get to our 15 eventually but it’s really important that we give them a break, even if it’s [just] a couple of days at home,” Marsh told cricket.com.au.

“I’m just ticking off the last few things I need to tick off to be fit and available. All went well today. It’s been progressively slow but finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament,” the T20 skipper added.

Australia’s Warm-Up Matches

Australia’s warm-up matches are scheduled before their opening game against Oman in Barbados on June 5. These matches are vital for assessing the team’s form and making necessary adjustments. The absence of critical players might pose a challenge, but it also allows other squad members to step up.

Group Stage Fixtures

Australia’s campaign starts against Oman, followed by group-stage matches against England, Namibia, and Scotland. These fixtures will test Australia’s depth and adaptability, especially given their opponents’ diverse playing styles.

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.Travelling

Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short.

In the 2024 IPL edition, while the batters stole the show, it’s undeniable that the game was shaped by the impact of the ball. Amidst the high-scoring runs and memorable batting innings, some standout bowling performances significantly influenced the top-notch batting displays.

This article will delve into the top 5 bowling highlights of the 2024 IPL edition, shedding light on the bowlers who made a significant impact. 

1. Shahbaz Ahmed (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Rajasthan Royals- 3/23 

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for its strong batting attacks and high team scores, the absence of their prime-purchased spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, due to an injury was a significant blow. However, they managed to turn the tide in their Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals, a crucial game that would determine their path to the final.

They relied on their part-time and all-rounder spinners to exploit the no-dew and turning pitch conditions. One such standout was Shahbaz Ahmed, who played a crucial role in scalping the Royals’ batting order wickets. With an economy of a mere 5.75 and having spin-handy support of Abhishek Sharma, they have triumphed a win over the Royals by 36 runs and made their way to their third IPL final. 

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) vs Mumbai Indians- 4/28

The Impact Player rule has been in action since the 2023 IPL edition, and it has stirred a lot of controversies among cricket fanatics and the experienced sports fraternity. Still, this bowling highlight is a prime example of how this rule changes the game’s dynamics.

When Chennai Super Kings set up a target of 207 against a swashbuckling Mumbai Indians batting order, Super Kings’ Pathirana displayed his pace skills and flummoxed Mumbai Indians batting order by scalping four wickets of just 28 runs, with a commendable economy of seven runs. This performance earned him the title of Man of the Match. 

3. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad- 3/34

When the top Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc, was bought for a colossal INR 24.5 Crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, many critics gave their words on the costly and unnecessary purchase.

But during the Qualifier-1 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc proved his calibre of why he’s the best in the business with his crucial performance during the game by scalping major wickets of the robust Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup, by taking three wickets of just 34 runs, at an economy of 8.5, with the swing and pace with the new ball being the highlight. 

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 5 best batting highlights of IPL 2024

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 3/14

IPL has been a breeding ground for young and emerging cricketing talent, domestic or foreign players. With this season witnessing several promising domestic talents, one such talent arises from the pace bowling department. Mayank Yadav is one of the elements of Lucknow Super Giants’ young-blooded and emerging bowling attack, where his bowling speed has done the talking.

His first-ever IPL delivery clocked at a fiery pace of 147 mph, with other deliveries clocking at 155.8 mph. The speed gun displayed his pace and wicket-taking abilities in his second IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he had scalped three wickets at an astonishing economy of 3.5, leading the team to a 28-run win and earning his first-ever MOM award. Though his injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, he has a bright future ahead and is getting a chance to get his maiden international call. 

5. T Natarajan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Capitals- 4/19 

Hailed as the Yorker King, T Natarajan has been a valuable asset for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long period and has been vital in scalping pivotal wickets. This match acts as one such instance. Giving a colossal target of 267 runs against a powerful batting order of Delhi Capitals, T Natarajan provided some unplayable deliveries.

He took a triple-wicket maiden over in his final over, summing up his quality pace attack. There is a noteworthy mention of T Natarajan being the team’s highest wicket-taker and the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker (19 wickets). 

Mitchell Starc, one of the most formidable fast bowlers in modern cricket, has long prioritized international duties over franchise commitments. However, after a stellar performance in the 2024 IPL season with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Starc is contemplating a shift in his career focus.

The Decision to Join IPL 2024

For years, Starc stayed away from the IPL to keep himself fresh for Australian cricket. His return to the IPL in 2024, after nearly a decade, was met with excitement and curiosity. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how he would perform in the world’s most competitive T20 league.

KKR’s record-breaking bid of INR 24.75 crore (approximately $2.98 million) made Starc the most expensive player in IPL history. This financial commitment not only highlighted his value but also added pressure for him to perform.

See Also: OTD in 2012: KKR won their maiden IPL title by defeating CSK

Early Struggles in the Season

Starc’s initial outings were challenging. In his first two games, he went wicketless, conceding 100 runs in eight overs. These performances drew criticism and raised questions about his ability to adapt to T20 cricket after a long hiatus.

Despite the rough start, Starc’s experience and resilience shone through. A match-winning three-wicket haul against the Lucknow Super Giants and a four-for against the Mumbai Indians marked his resurgence. His rhythm and confidence grew as the tournament progressed.

Dominating the Playoffs

In the first qualifier against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Starc was instrumental, with figures of 3 for 34. His ability to deliver under pressure played a crucial role in securing KKR’s place in the final.

The final against SRH was the ultimate test. Starc’s 2 for 14 in a high-stakes game underscored his match-winning capabilities. His disciplined bowling dismantled SRH’s batting lineup, leading KKR to their third IPL title.

Starc’s Reflections and Future Plans

In the post-final press conference, Starc reflected on his IPL journey and the enjoyment he found in the season. He acknowledged the balance between franchise cricket and international duties, hinting at potential changes in his future commitments.

“The last nine years, I’ve prioritised Australian cricket. I have given myself a chance to give my body a break and spend some time away from cricket with my wife as well, so that’s certainly been where my head’s been for the last nine years,” Starc said at a press conference after the IPL 2024 final in Chennai.

Considering a format drop

Starc revealed his contemplation of dropping one format, possibly ODIs, to manage his workload and prolong his career. This decision would allow him to focus more on T20 leagues like the IPL and international Test matches.

“Moving forward… look, I am certainly closer to the end of my career than the start. One format may drop off. There is long time before the next one-day World Cup and whether that format continues for me or not… it may open doors for more franchise cricket.”

Franchise cricket opportunities

With the next ODI World Cup some time away, Starc is open to playing more franchise cricket. His successful IPL stint has reignited his passion for T20s, and he looks forward to returning in KKR’s purple and gold in future seasons.

“Next year – I don’t know the schedule exactly – but I’ve enjoyed it, I look forward to being back next year and hopefully be seen in purple and gold [KKR’s colours] again. “I’ve played a lot of cricket, so I know how to manage myself. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last few years, so for me, it was trying to find that rhythm of [the] T20 format, and trying to stay ahead of batters,” Starc said.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the final showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The victory marked a remarkable achievement for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, which delivered a commanding performance to clinch the coveted title.

KKR’s Commanding Performance

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, KKR showcased their prowess with the bat, achieving the target in just 10.3 overs. This impressive display of batting prowess highlighted KKR’s dominance throughout the match.

The early stages of SRH’s innings saw the formidable bowling duo of Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora wreak havoc on their batting lineup. Starc’s crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay, including the dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi, set the tone for KKR’s bowling attack. Arora further compounded SRH’s woes with his pivotal wicket of Travis Head, laying the groundwork for KKR’s victory.

See Also: KKR secure IPL Title after a decade; Fans go wild on social media

Starc’s Impactful Bowling

Mitchell Starc’s journey in IPL 2024 was marked by initial skepticism following his high-priced acquisition by KKR. However, Starc silenced his critics with stellar performances, particularly in the latter half of the tournament. His standout display in Qualifier 1 and the final match showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, solidifying his place as a key player for KKR.

Mitchell Starc’s Redemption

In the final showdown against SRH, Starc once again rose to the occasion, delivering a clinical bowling performance that stifled SRH’s batting lineup. His economical spell in the initial overs played a pivotal role in KKR’s dominant start, setting the stage for their eventual triumph.

Pat Cummins’ Acknowledgment

Following the match, SRH captain Pat Cummins commended KKR for their exceptional performance, acknowledging the impact of Starc’s bowling prowess. Cummins highlighted KKR’s bowling strength and expressed admiration for their strategic approach to the game.

Pat Cummins | SRH captain: They bowled fantastically. Old mate Starcy turned up again! Not enough tonight, totally outplayed. You hope you get some boundaries away but they bowled fantastically well, didn’t give us anything. Similar to how they bowled in Ahmedabad. It was a tricky wicket. If we got 160, we felt we would have been in the game. So many (positives), the style with which the guys played especially with the bat. Lot of skills to get to 250 three times. I loved how brave the guys were. It was a lot of fun, great season.

In a dominant display of cricket, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a one-sided final on Sunday. The victory was marked by a clinical performance from KKR’s bowlers and an equally impressive chase by their batsmen.

Having lost the toss, KKR were put into the field by SRH, who opted to bat first. The decision backfired spectacularly as SRH’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the final. SRH managed to post only 113 runs, which became the lowest-ever total in an IPL final.

KKR’s bowlers dominate as SRH crumble to lowest-ever IPL final total

The innings started disastrously for SRH. They lost their first wicket in the very first over when Abhishek Sharma was bowled by Mitchell Starc. Starc delivered a peach of a delivery that opened up the left-hander before hitting the top of the off stump. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR’s bowling dominance.

SRH’s woes deepened when Travis Head was dismissed for a first-ball duck, caught behind off a beautiful outswinger. With just six runs on the board, SRH were reeling at 6/2. Starc continued his impressive spell, taking the wicket of Rahul Tripathi, who could only manage 9 runs before being caught behind. At this point, SRH were struggling at 21/3 in the fifth over.

Harshit Rana, coming in as the first change bowler, maintained the pressure by dismissing Nitish Reddy for 13. Andre Russell then joined the party, claiming the crucial wicket of SRH captain Aiden Markram, who was out for 20. This left SRH tottering at 62/5 in the 11th over.

The middle and lower order of SRH offered little resistance. Shahbaz Nadeem was dismissed for 8 by Varun Chakravarthy, while Abdul Samad could only score 4 before falling to Russell. SRH’s innings continued to collapse as Harshit Rana returned to take the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 16. Jaydev Unadkat was trapped LBW by Sunil Narine for 4, and Pat Cummins was the last man out, leaving SRH all out for a paltry 113.

Venkatesh Iyer’s blistering knock seals emphatic victory for Kolkata Knight Riders

In response, KKR started their chase confidently. Sunil Narine, opening the innings, hit a six off the very first over bowled by Pat Cummins but was soon dismissed for 6. However, Venkatesh Iyer, in a scintillating form, took charge of the chase. He punished Bhuvneshwar Kumar, scoring 20 runs in an over, showcasing his aggressive intent.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz supported Iyer well, contributing a brisk 39 before being dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem. By then, KKR were already in a commanding position. Iyer continued his assault on the SRH bowlers, completing his fifty off just 24 balls.

With Iyer remaining unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls, KKR comfortably chased down the target of 114 with 57 balls to spare, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket win. This victory marked a historic moment for KKR as they lifted their third IPL trophy, adding to their previous titles and solidifying their status as one of the premier franchises in the league.

See Also: IPL 2024 final: KKR win their third title, beat SRH by 8 wickets

The match highlighted KKR’s strength in both bowling and batting. Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana were the standout performers with the ball, while Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive innings ensured a smooth chase. SRH, on the other hand, failed to rise to the occasion, struggling both with the bat and the ball in a match that they will look back on with disappointment.

Mitchell Starc proved his worth and justified his hefty price tag in the IPL 2024 final. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for an astonishing Rs 24.75 crores, and he delivered a match-winning performance against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26. Starc’s brilliant bowling spell rattled SRH’s top order, setting the stage for KKR’s dominance in the final.

Starc’s Impact in the First Over

In the first over of the match, Starc showcased his big-match temperament by clean-bowling the in-form Abhishek Sharma. The young opener, who had been in stellar form throughout the season, was undone by a delivery that nipped away treacherously to hit the off-stump. Sharma, who had scored 484 runs in the tournament with an impressive strike rate of 204.21, was dismissed for just two runs.

See Also: Has Starc delivered the ball of IPL 2024? Have a look!

From Struggles to Dominance

Starc had a rocky start to the IPL 2024 season. However, he turned his fortunes around with a spectacular performance against Mumbai Indians in match 54. This resurgence carried into the knockout stages, where he delivered a match-winning spell against SRH in Qualifier 1, finishing with figures of 3/34.

Key Wickets in the Final

Starc struck again in the fifth over, dismissing Rahul Tripathi, who had been a crucial player for SRH in their Qualifier 2 victory over Rajasthan Royals. Tripathi’s dismissal was a significant blow to SRH, as he had been one of their most reliable performers in high-pressure situations.

Vaibhav Arora’s Contribution

Vaibhav Arora, who bowled the second over of the match, complemented Starc’s efforts by dismissing Travis Head for a duck. This early wicket further compounded SRH’s problems, leaving them struggling at the start of their innings.

Fans’ Reactions to Starc’s Performance

Cricket fans and enthusiasts used social media to express their admiration for Starc’s breathtaking spell. His ability to deliver in high-stakes matches drew widespread acclaim, with many praising his skill and composure under pressure.

In a highly anticipated IPL 2024 final, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) crumbled to an embarrassing total of 113 runs in 18.3 overs. Pat Cummins scored 24 runs for SRH, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowlers delivered a clinical performance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This article delves into the details of SRH’s batting collapse and KKR’s dominant bowling display.

A Star-Studded Line-Up Falls Short

Despite having a star-studded line-up, SRH faltered on a surface that, while challenging, could have been more playable. The pitch offered swing, bounce, and grip, which KKR exploited expertly. KKR’s bowlers kept the pressure on SRH from the outset, never allowing them to build momentum.

See Also: IPL 2024 final: KKR bowlers led by Starc strike early as SRH lose top three inside powerplay

Mitchell Starc Strikes Early

Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL 2024, dismissed Abhishek Sharma in the first over with a beautiful delivery. Starc’s early breakthrough was a crucial blow to SRH, who struggled to recover.

The top order woes continued for SRH as Travis Head fell to Vaibhav Arora in the next over. Rahul Tripathi departed early, leaving SRH reeling at 21/3 inside the powerplay. KKR’s bowlers relentlessly picked up wickets regularly, preventing significant partnerships from forming.

Middle Order Resistance and Quick Fall

Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen attempted to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were short-lived. Both batsmen got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Their dismissals further compounded SRH’s problems.

Pat Cummins provided a glimmer of hope with a brief cameo, scoring 24 runs. His efforts pushed SRH’s total past the 100-run mark, but it was far from a competitive score in a high-stakes final.

KKR’s Bowlers Shine

Mitchell Starc showcased his prowess with the ball again, leading KKR’s attack with precision and skill. His early breakthrough set the tone for the rest of the innings. Andre Russell stepped up on the big occasion, taking three crucial wickets. His all-round performance was instrumental in KKR’s dominance.

Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora also made significant contributions, each taking important wickets to dismantle SRH’s batting line-up. KKR’s bowlers worked in tandem, ensuring no SRH batter could settle.

SRH’s Record-Breaking Low Score

With their collapse, SRH broke Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 11-year-old record for the lowest score in an IPL final. CSK had previously held the record with 125/9 in the 2013 final.

In 2013, CSK failed to chase down Mumbai Indians’ total of 148, losing the final by 23 runs. SRH’s performance in 2024 was even more disappointing, highlighting the pressure and unpredictability of the IPL finals.

Lowest totals for SRH (IPL)
96 vs MI Hyderabad 2019
113 vs MI Hyderabad 2015
113 vs KKR Chennai 2024 *
114 vs PBKS Dubai 2020

Lowest totals in IPL finals
113 SRH vs KKR Chennai 2024 *
125/9 CSK vs MI Kolkata 2013
128/6 RPS vs MI Hyderabad 2017
129/8 MI vs RPS Hyderabad 2017