‘Expectation with price tag makes players push out little bit harder’:Ricky Ponting analyzes Mitchell Starc’s disappointing start in IPL 2024.

(AFP Photo)

The left-arm pacer faced a rocky start to his IPL 2024 campaign, struggling to find his usual form in the early matches.

Despite earning Player of the Match awards in both Qualifier 1 and the final, leading Kolkata Knight Riders to their third title, Mitchell Starc’s performance in IPL 2024 initially did not justify his hefty price tag of INR 24.75 crore, the highest bid of the season. His early struggles were evident in the matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he conceded 100 runs without taking a wicket in his first eight overs.

Former Australia captain and current head coach of Delhi Capitals, Ricky Ponting, discussed Starc’s slow start with the International Cricket Council. Ponting mentioned that the high price tag might have led Starc to overexert himself in an attempt to prove his worth. He also highlighted the challenges posed by KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens, which typically offers early swing for fast bowlers under the lights, but did not do so this season. Additionally, Ponting noted that the ground’s small dimensions and hard concrete outfield contributed to Starc’s high economy rate.

“The expectation that comes with the price tag sometimes makes players push a little bit harder and try to do more than they need to do. You know, conditions where Mitch was bowling at the Eden Gardens, the ball didn’t really swing much there this year, and the ground is like, like it’s a small ground and the outfield’s like concrete,” Ponting shared with ICC.

Ponting predicts Starc will shine at the T20 World Cup 2024.

Elaborating on his statement, the 49-year-old Ponting compared the conditions in India and the Caribbean for fast bowlers. He pointed out that in India, the field dimensions and outfield conditions favor batters, making it challenging even for bowlers of Starc’s caliber, as even mis-hits can often reach the boundary. In contrast, he noted that the Caribbean, with its slower winds and less lush outfield, would be more favorable for Starc. Ponting believes that these conditions will allow Starc to have a much greater impact at the T20 World Cup in June than he did during the IPL.

“And when you’re bowling at Starc’s pace, inside edges that just make their way through the field end up going for four. It’s not the easiest place in the world to bowl fast, but, you know, if we go to the Caribbean where the wind’s a little bit slower and the ball’s not flying off the bat quite as hard, then Starc will have an impact,” added Ponting.