IPL 2021 Auction: 3 teams that might bid for Mitchell Starc

Limited-overs cricket and Mitchell Starc go pretty hand-in-hand as the left-arm seamer has some brilliant records to his name. But to manage his workload, injuries and playing the longer format, Starc had to give up on the idea of playing more franchise T20 cricket. Despite a lot of interest in him, the Australian turned up to play only two seasons of IPL – 2014 and 2015. However, Starc could create a lot of interest in the franchises if he signs up for the auction to be held next month.

Here are three IPL franchises which might target Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2021 auction:

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore did benefit when Mitchell Starc turned up for them in 2014 and 2015. In both the seasons, the Aussie pacer finished as the 2nd highest wicket-taker of the franchise. As the RCB team left out Chris Morris ahead of the 2021 edition, Starc is someone they might have an eye on to complete their bowling attack. With Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal and Adam Zampa in their ranks, RCB need a leader with the ball who can be dreadful in the death overs.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have always shown a liking for roping in overseas fast bowlers and Mitchell Starc would surely be in their wishlist. Ahead of the 2021 IPL, the defending champions left out every foreign pacer in their squad except Trent Boult. Hence, Starc could be a perfect addition to their bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah. However, the purse they have at the moment isn’t big enough and hence they might pull back if he goes past the 10-crore mark.

Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab will enter the IPL auction with a purse of INR 53.2 crore, the highest among all teams. The Punjab franchise is short of a pace bowler who can be effective with the new ball and also at the death overs. CSK and RCB too have such problems and could be in the race with KXIP to get the Aussie at any cost. However, the purse left for the Punjab team could help them outbidding other teams. In the current situation, they can afford even 20 crores to buy Starc at the auction.