Glenn McGrath feels that the hefty price tags paid by Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad will not affect Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins respectively and backed both men to perform well in the IPL 2024 season.
KKR and SRH splashed 24.75 and 20.5 crore respectively to acquire Starc and Cummins, making them the top two in terms of being the most costliest in the history of the auction.
Speaking at the MRF pace foundation, McGrath said that both men are very experienced and know the game well and expects them to perform to their standards.
“The money that they have received is incredible. But they are both very experienced players and know the game well. They are going to go out and play well as they have done in the past. I don’t think it (price tag) will impact them even one percent,” added McGrath.
Starc will be looking forward to IPL return: McGrath
McGrath went on to speak about Starc and felt that if he is able to move the ball around well, then he would be as good as any pacer in the league.
“For Starc, he chose not to come to the IPL due to personal reasons. But he comes back and gets a record price. He will be looking forward to it. On his day, if he is moving the ball around, he will be as good as any other fast bowler,” said McGrath.
Starc himself admitted that he is ready for the new challenge as he makes his return to the IPL after more than 8 years.
“It’s been 8 years, I think. Back to KKR where I was supposed to be in 2018. So I’ll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple. I guess my memories are a few and far between of back in 2014 and 2015 with RCB but yeah, really excited to get stuck in. Obviously, a new group of players. A bunch of guys I certainly haven’t met or been able to work with before.”
“A couple of guys that I’ve, international guys that I’ve played against and come across. Yeah, it’s gonna be exciting. It’s definitely a new challenge. But yeah, it’ll be exciting. It’s always a bit of a circus when it is the best T20 league in the world. So, yeah I look forward to it,” said Starc.
