Netizens Laud 'King' Mitchell Starc After He Silences Auction Price Critics With 'Paisa Wasool' Spell

Mitchell Starc has responded to his critics in spectacular fashion during the IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 between KKR and SRH on Tuesday, May 21. Starc, who was bought for a staggering 24.75 crores in the IPL 2024 auction by Kolkata Knight Riders, had faced significant criticism earlier in the season due to his high economy rate of over 10 runs per over. Fans and pundits alike questioned whether he was worth the hefty price tag.

However, Starc has steadily worked his way back into form, delivering a standout performance by picking up four wickets against the Mumbai Indians. This momentum carried over to the crucial Qualifier 1 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. From the very start of the game, Starc set the tone by dismissing SRH opener Travis Head with a brilliant delivery that crashed into the middle and off stump on just the second ball of the first over.

Starc sets the tone for Qualifier 1 with a ripper! ?#IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #KKRvSRH #TATAIPLPlayoffs #IPLinBengali pic.twitter.com/3AJG5BvZwT

¡ª JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 21, 2024

Starc continued to apply pressure on the SRH batsmen, nearly trapping Rahul Tripathi in front of the stumps, though KKR opted not to review the decision. His third over proved to be a game-changer as he struck twice, removing Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed with consecutive deliveries.

By the end of his spell, Starc had taken three wickets in his three overs, conceding only 22 runs. His performance drew praise from commentators and fans alike. Ravi Shastri, commenting during Starc's spell, emphasized the pacer's response to his detractors: "This is the answer to his critics. That's why you pay him the big bucks," said Shastri.

Not a good day to be a Stump ?#IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #KKRvSRH #TATAIPLPlayoffs #MitchellStarc pic.twitter.com/9XoxrrdzMs

¡ª JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 21, 2024

Kevin Pietersen also lauded Starc's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, highlighting his energy and rhythm: "You talk about the big moments and you need the big players. Have a look at the energy on that ball. Have a look at his rhythm this evening," said Pietersen.

Also Read: KKR vs SRH: What Happened When Sunrisers Hyderabad And Kolkata Knight Riders Last Met In An IPL Playoff?

The fans took to social media to express their excitement and admiration for Starc's early breakthroughs. Many hailed his performance as a vindication of KKR's decision to invest heavily in the Australian pacer. Here's how the netizens reacted:

Indians watching Travis Head getting out for 0 at Ahemdabad#KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/7zSAKUW9f7

¡ª Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) May 21, 2024

King Starc was saving himself for the playoffs???
#KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/vdrT5n9lkD

¡ª Cheemrag (@itxcheemrag) May 21, 2024

The delivery worth 24.75 crore by Mitchell Starc. #KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/v6ZpQBuNA3

¡ª Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) May 21, 2024

24 Crore INR wasool in just 1 delivery. Mitchell Starc is the man for the big moments ???#IPL2024 #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/evi8UAAuGe

¡ª Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) May 21, 2024

Also Read: 'Bengal Will Be Divided...2nd Time': Gautam Gambhir Recalls Playing Against Sourav Ganguly At Eden Gardens

As the game progressed, SRH found themselves struggling at 133 for 9 in 17 overs. The stakes were high, as the winner of this match would secure a spot in the IPL 2024 final scheduled for Sunday, May 26. The loser, on the other hand, would have to face the winner of the Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Starc's performance in this crucial match has undoubtedly silenced his critics and reaffirmed his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. His ability to deliver when it mattered most has given KKR a significant advantage as they aim for a spot in the final and, ultimately, the IPL 2024 title.

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