Starc Becomes the First Player in IPL History to Win the POTM Twice in The Playoffs in The Same Season

 

Mitchell Starc, the Kolkata Knight Riders‘ (KKR) fiery fast bowler, has silenced his critics and etched his name in IPL history! After a shaky start to the season, Starc rose to the occasion when it mattered most, inspiring KKR to their third IPL title with a dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final.

 

Starc’s contribution went far beyond his final tally of 17 wickets in 14 matches. He became the first player ever to win the coveted Player of the Match (POTM) award twice in the IPL playoffs of a single season! In the first qualifier against SRH, his three wickets and economical spell (34 runs in 4 overs) earned him the initial POTM nod.

 

The pressure was on in the final, but Starc thrived.  He ripped through the SRH batting line-up, restricting them to a meager 113 runs. His very first delivery was a dream dismissal, a peach of a yorker that sent Abhishek Sharma packing. He followed it up with the crucial wicket of Rahul Tripathi, showcasing his ability to take down key batsmen.

This wasn’t just a personal victory for Starc; it was a vindication of KKR’s faith in him. Remember, Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history when KKR purchased him for a whopping Rs. 24.75 crore in the auction. Despite a slow start to the season, Starc silenced all doubts with his performances in the playoffs.

 

Starc’s journey from questioned buy to playoffs hero is an inspiration.  He has proven that true champions rise to the challenge when the stakes are highest.  With his fiery pace and strategic bowling, Starc has cemented his place as a KKR legend and a true IPL playoff legend. The future of KKR, and perhaps the Australian national team, looks bright with Starc at the helm!