The costliest buy in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mitchell Starc is a player who is bound to be under the spotlight as the new season begins on March 22. The Australian star, signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore in the auction, is expected to put in some dramatic performances as the franchise looks to clinch its third title in the history of the T20 league. But, while many feel Starc will be under added pressure because of his price tag, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir doesn't think that would be the case.
The target for the Knight Riders remains ending their trophy drought. All Gambhir is hoping for is to see Starc do what he has done for Australia over the years.
"I don't think the price tag will be an added pressure for him. I only hope he can do for KKR what he does for Australia in international cricket," said Gambhir after reaching Kolkata for the T20 league.
Gambhir joined KKR after leaving his role as a mentor with the Lucknow Super Giants franchise. Gambhir even quit his role as a politician with the Bhartiya Janta Party before the start of the IPL, confirming his priorities.
"I have always mentioned that KKR to me is not a franchise, but an emotion. I am thus happy to be back,"
"I know there will be expectations and I hope to live up to it and make the fans happy," said Gambhir.
The Knight Riders last won the IPL with Gambhir as their captain. Since the southpaw left the franchise in 2017, they haven't tasted success in the T20 league. Though the Knight Riders came close to winning the title, when they reached the final of the tournament in 2021, their performances in the absence of Gambhir have been quite ordinary.
The franchise's management would be hopeful of rekindling the old magic as Gambhir returns.