IPL-17 | Starc unfazed by criticism, says lack of T20 experience could be reason for initial struggle

Mitchell Starc reflects on IPL criticism, credits lack of T20 experience for slow start, but shines in KKR's win.

Australian speedster Mitchell Starc is not bothered about the criticism directed at him for not living up to his high IPL price tag but on Sunday admitted that his lack of T20 experience could be the reason for taking longer time to find his rhythm.

Starc, the IPL's highest buy at a whopping ₹24.75 crore, came up with his best show this season, claiming 3/28, including two wickets in the final over, that helped KKR restrict Lucknow Super Giants to a below par 161 for 7. KKR then chased down the target in 15.4 overs with eight wickets intact.

Prior to Sunday, Starc took just two wickets in four matches with an average of 77 and leaked 11 runs per over as he drew widespread criticism.

"I don't read anything so that doesn't bother me," Starc said after KKR's win at the Eden Gardens here.

"I haven't played a lot of T20 cricket in the last couple of years, so it's probably taken me a little bit longer than I would have liked to get back into the rhythm of things and make a better impact. So today was nice in that regard." Managing workload in T20 cricket and adjusting to the rigours of the IPL is not tough for Test cricketers, said Starc.

"I'm 34, so I'm pretty good with my workloads. I've been doing this a long time, so that's fine.

“It’s T20 cricket. For the guys that play a lot of Test cricket, this is certainly a lot easier physically. It’s probably more getting used to the tactical side of it.”