'Balance the team now!': Starc foresees challenges for captains without impact player rule in T20 WC

In a thrilling match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, KKR emerged victorious by 24 runs. Batting first, KKR set a target of 169 runs in 19.5 overs, with Venkatesh Iyer shining with a stellar innings of 70 runs off 52 balls. In response, MI could only manage 145 runs in 18.5 overs, despite Suryakumar Yadav's valiant 56 off 35 balls. Jasprit Bumrah stood out for MI with figures of 3/18 in 3.5 overs. KKR's Nuwan Thushara and Varun Chakaravarthy also made significant contributions with 3/42 and 2/22 respectively. In addition, Mitchell Starc's exceptional bowling performance of 4/33 in 3.5 overs played a crucial role in keeping the pressure on Mumbai Indians during their chase against Kolkata Knight Riders.

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Mitchell Starc believes that IPL is perfect for T20 WC preparation and highlights the possible struggles for captains in US and the West Indies

Mitchell Starc, the fast bowler from Kolkata Knight Riders and Australia, suggests that the absence of the IPL's Impact player rule may prompt captains to employ more strategic thinking once the T20 World Cup commences in the Americas soon. The Impact player rule, introduced last season, has encouraged teams to bat aggressively and fearlessly, resulting in frequent scores exceeding 200. This season of the IPL has seen notably high-scoring matches, with teams surpassing 250 runs on at least three occasions.

"The impact player rule changes things a fair bit. Everyone gets to bat a lot deeper having a batting and a bowling XI," Starc told the media after KKR defeated Mumbai Indians by 24 runs here on Friday.

"I guess there’s a lot made of that rule and there’s been a lot of high scores, which is the nature of the wickets and the grounds we play on here. Impact player rule has had a fair part to play in that, when you are going to have batters and batting all-rounders come in at Nos 8 or 9, it’s a long batting lineup.

"There’s no fear in the powerplay when all you have to do is clear the infield and score runs. Certainly, there has been some really good batting, don’t get me wrong, it’s not just the rules that play a part there." Starc, who took 4/33 in KKR's win, said having no such rule in T20 World Cup could witness the impact on the scores.

"There’s been some fantastic scoring, some fantastic partnerships and some individual brilliance with the bat. On the flip side, time (will) tell, we got the World Cup coming next month, there’s no impact player rule. Whether that affects the scores, is yet to be seen,” he said.

“It probably will. There’s been talk about balance of team and when you can’t just bring someone in, your all-rounders come back into play, certainly world-class all-rounders that balance the team now.

"Captains (will) have to think a bit tactically too when you have just 11 players. It’s been interesting to experience it first hand in the IPL,” he added.

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Starc, who was bought for a record price tag of Rs 24.75 crores, found himself on the receiving end of the batters’ aggression this season but the Aussie bowler said there was no "price-tag pressure on him".

"I didn’t set my price tag, so it is what it is,” he said.

The 34-year-old said IPL is serving as a perfect opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup but at the same time he is not thinking too far ahead and is focussed on helping KKR get close to their target of winning the tournament.

“I haven’t really thought too much about it. It’s T20 cricket, it’s not as demanding as Test match cricket. Physically (it is) not a problem and (it is a) fantastic lead-in to play here in the best T20 league in the world,” he said.

“You’re playing some high quality cricket leading into the World Cup, a lot of players at this tournament are going to be at the World Cup. In that regard, it’s a great thing to see and test your skills.

“In terms of length of time, that’s part and parcel of international cricket. My main focus is in two days' time play in Lucknow, the World Cup is next month. At this moment, it’s (about) trying to help KKR win the tournament." 

(With PTI inputs)