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Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc (Source: Twitter)
Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc is eagerly anticipating his participation in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, marking his return to the tournament after a hiatus of 9 years. Starc's last stint in the IPL was with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Since then, the legendary speedster has primarily focused on Test cricket and spending quality time with his family.
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However, the veteran Australia pacer has decided to rejoin the IPL in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the Caribbean Islands and the United States of America. During the IPL mini-auction in 2023, held in the United Arab Emirates, the Kolkata Knight Riders bagged Starc's services for a record price. The franchise spent Rs. 24.75 crore to acquire the talents of the World Cup-winning fast bowler.
Hence, given his association with RCB in the past it will be interesting to see how the veteran speedster comes up against the formidable RCB batting lineup. In addition, to this Starc’s battle with RCB stalwart Virat Kohli will be interesting to watch. In addition to this, this will be the first time when both these modern greats will be up against each other in IPL. Overall, both these greats have faced each other on 36 occasions, in which the star batter averages 81.40 however, Starc has dismissed the RCB great on five occasions.
Such a humble and warm character off the field: Virat Kohli
In a promotional video for Star Sports, the Australian pace bowler was questioned about his sentiments regarding his return to the tournament. Starc expressed his excitement and anticipation, stating his eagerness to play in front of enthusiastic Indian crowds. When prompted about his thoughts on Virat Kohli, Starc described the Indian star as a "fierce competitor on the field but warm and humble off it."
“I do remember fondly the couple of years that I had at the RCB alongside Virat. He was the captain as well. That was the first time I got to know him properly, particularly off the field. He is such a different person off the field. Such a humble and warm character off the field and then fiercely competitive on it. I remember that the most about him,” Starc said in the interview as reported by India Today.