IPL 2024 Man of the Match: Mitchell Starc wins ‘Player of the Match’ award in IPL 2024 Final

Chennai: Kolkata Knight Riders's Mitchell Starc celebrates after taking the wicket of Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final cricket match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI05_26_2024_000345B)

Kolkata Knight Riders' pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, clinched the Player of the Match accolade in the Indian Premier League final clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Starc played a pivotal role in limiting Hyderabad's innings to a meager 113 runs, claiming two crucial wickets while conceding a mere 14 runs in his spell of three overs.

Making a grand return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus, Mitchell Starc initially struggled to find his rhythm, claiming just seven wickets in his first nine outings. However, a pivotal match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium hinted at his latent potential, a promise he fulfilled magnificently during the playoffs.

In two crucial encounters—the virtual semi-final and the title decider—Starc emerged as KKR's ultimate action hero, reminiscent of his memorable performances in high-pressure situations, such as when he rattled Brendon McCullum in the 2015 World Cup final or left Shubman Gill and KL Rahul flummoxed during the 2023 ODI summit clash.

Despite occasional lapses in form, Starc's ability to elevate his game under pressure never fails to astonish. Whether it's unleashing a venomous in-dipping yorker, swinging a late away delivery, or deceiving batsmen with a cunning scrambled seam variation, Starc's arsenal is tailor-made for the grandest stages.

For IPL breakout star Abhishek Sharma, sharing the field with Starc served as a glimpse into the realm of international cricket— a domain where magic thrives and awe-inspiring moments abound.

In big tournaments like the IPL or World Cup, it's not about accumulating a plethora of wickets but delivering when it matters most. KKR's valuation of Starc at Rs 24.75 crore underscores his irreplaceable worth on the grandest stages.

While Starc has steered clear of global T20 leagues, prioritizing Test cricket, his heart lies in the traditional format, relishing the sight of the red kookaburra wreaking havoc on batsmen.

Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Starc's sentiments echo a profound attachment to the enduring legacy of Test cricket, emphasizing the sanctity of representing one's nation over the transient allure of franchise cricket.

While critics may have doubted his hefty price tag and potential meme-worthy moments, Starc's indomitable spirit proves that the saga of his cricketing prowess is far from over. For when Mitchell Starc takes the field, the story is still unfolding, and the best is yet to come."