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

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.