5 teams that might target Mitchell Starc in IPL 2024 mini-auction

Despite being away from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for several years, Mitchell Starc is sure to be the centre of attraction in the upcoming mini-auction. A bidding war is expected for Australia's elite pacer around the table when all 10 IPL franchises gather for the much-awaited event in Dubai on December 19. 

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Starc played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Unfortunately, injuries held him back in the subsequent two seasons. In 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired the services of the left-arm pacer for a whopping Rs 9.40 crore, but he did not make an appearance for them. Since then he has never participated in the cash-rich league.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup set to take place right after the 17th edition of the IPL, the Aussie speedster has shown interest in the league. Starc has put himself in the highest base price category of Rs 2 crore. Let's take a look at five IPL teams who might target Mitchell Starc in the IPL 2024 mini-auction.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

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SRH may consider buying Starc to bolster their bowling attack. The 2016 champions lack a top-class overseas bowler and the Aussie seamer can fill that void. The pace attack of Stack, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik and Fazalhaq Farooqi will be a lethal combo. The Hyderabad-based franchise has Rs 34 crore in its purse and might be ready for a battle at the auction. 

4. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

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Kagiso Rabada has done well for the team but often he failed to get support at the other end. With Starc coming into the line-up, their pace attack will be one of the most lethal and don't forget that they also have Arshdeep Singh. PBKS have Rs 29.1 crores in their purse and they might utilize it effectively. 

3. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Although MI have experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff, they might consider Starc due to Jofra Archer‘s absence. Bumrah and Starc will be similar to their old Bumrah-Trent Boult combo. However, MI only has RS. 17.75 crores left in their purse, so they need to make a serious decision before going all out for the Australian star. 

2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB's bowling department has improved a bit in recent years but has always been a concern for them. Notably, they have released most of their bowlers, including Starc's countrymate Josh Hazlewood. This could be in an attempt to get Starc into their lineup. The Bangalore-based franchise is expected to go all out for their former fast bowler in the auction. RCB has 23.25 crores in their purse.

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR's bowling strength has revolved around their spin unit over the years. As Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson struggled with consistency and control, they released the New Zealand pair ahead of the auction. If the Kolkata-based franchise brings Starc into their fold, it will be a huge boost to their team as a whole. KKR has Rs 32.7 crore remaining in its purse.