Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has praised big-money Kolkata Knight Riders acquisition Mitchell Starc after the franchise broke Indian Premier League records to sign the Australian pacer.
The $4.43 million bid at Tuesday's auction (AEDT) saw him become the IPL's most expensive player.
Fellow Australian bowler Pat Cummins also fetched AU$3.67 million from Sunrisers Hyderabad – the second-highest bid in the league's history.
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Gautam Gambhir explains why KKR made record IPL bid for Mitchell Starc
Gambhir – who has returned to KKR ahead of the new IPL season as their mentor – believes Starc will be a difference-maker.
"He is an X-factor, there is no doubt about that," Gambhir told JioCinema.
"[He is] someone who can bowl with the new ball, bowl in the death overs and more importantly, someone who can lead the attack.
"He is going to be of massive help to our two domestic bowlers because both of them are very talented and you need someone to help them out in the middle and Starc covers those bases."
Mitchell Starc reacts to record IPL bid
After becoming the most expensive player in IPL history, Starc was ecstatic.
"It was a shock," he told JioCinema.
"My wife (Alyssa Healy) is in India with the women's team. She was updating me from there, as my telecast was lagging.
"I am surprised but thrilled to be back involved in the IPL, and excited to join KKR."
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