Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has heaped extraordinary praise on his compatriot Mitchell Starc, declaring he has never seen the left-arm speedster bowl better than in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) final. Starc's devastating spell was instrumental in the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) emphatic victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), justifying his record-breaking auction price tag.
Ponting's Unprecedented Acclaim for Starc's Masterclass
The former Australian captain and current Delhi Capitals coach, Ricky Ponting, was left in awe of Mitchell Starc's performance in the title-deciding clash. Ponting stated he does not believe he has ever witnessed Starc deliver a better spell of bowling in his entire career. This is a significant statement, considering Ponting has watched Starc's evolution from close quarters, both as an opponent and a fellow Australian great.
Starc, who became the most expensive player in IPL history when KKR secured him for a staggering ₹24.75 crore, faced immense pressure and scrutiny throughout the tournament. However, he saved his most lethal performance for the grandest stage. In the final, he dismantled the Sunrisers Hyderabad top order, setting the tone for a one-sided contest.
The Final Spell That Sealed the Deal
Mitchell Starc's impact was immediate and brutal. On the very first ball of the SRH innings, he clean bowled the dangerous Abhishek Sharma with a trademark inswinging yorker. He returned in the third over to remove Rahul Tripathi, leaving Hyderabad reeling at 21 for 2. His figures of 2 for 14 in his three overs crippled the Sunrisers' batting lineup, which was eventually skittled out for a mere 113 runs.
This match-winning performance was the culmination of Starc's improved form in the playoffs. After a mixed league stage, the 34-year-old pacer elevated his game when it mattered most. His early breakthroughs in the final effectively ended the match as a contest, allowing KKR to cruise to their third IPL title with eight wickets and 57 balls to spare.
Justifying the Price Tag and Setting the Stage for the T20 World Cup
Ricky Ponting's comments underscore how Starc's final display silenced any remaining doubts about his value. The high price tag was a topic of discussion all season, but his championship-winning spell provided the ultimate justification. Ponting highlighted that performing under such extreme financial pressure is a testament to Starc's character and big-match temperament.
Furthermore, this sensational form arrives at the perfect time for the Australian national team. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA commencing immediately after the IPL, Starc's peak bowling condition is a massive boost for Australia's campaign. He will be a key weapon for captain Mitchell Marsh and will partner with the likes of Pat Cummins, who also enjoyed a successful IPL season leading SRH.
Ponting also took a moment to commend Pat Cummins for his leadership in taking Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first final since 2018. However, the night unequivocally belonged to Mitchell Starc and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Starc's ability to deliver a career-best performance in the final has not only cemented his IPL legacy but has also sent a formidable warning to all opponents ahead of the global T20 tournament.
