Mitchell Starc has not lived up to his sky-high price tag in the IPL so far, but Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Bharat Arun on Tuesday backed the Australian left-arm pacer , saying it was only a “matter of time” before he hit his stride. Starc’s combined numbers in his first two games are 8-0-100-0, which is impressive. “He’s probably one of the most experienced bowlers in the world and someone who understands the conditions and adapts well. I think you’re going to see a different version of him in the games ahead,” Allen said before the game. Here against Delhi Capitals.

Returning to the IPL after nine years, Starc was bought at the auction for a record price of Rs 2,475 crore.

When asked what conversations they had with Starc, Allen cheekily replied: “Absolutely no price tag was mentioned.

“We’ve been talking about his strengths. I’m sure he understands what it is and what it takes to be successful. The experience he brings with him playing in all conditions, you see it’s just a matter of time before Starc returns,” he explain.

KKR have won two games so far (Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore) with spin bowling and explosive batting.

There is a slow wicket here and the KKR spinners will look to exploit this condition.

“The biggest challenge for us is understanding and adapting to the conditions. We are ready for everything. It is the same venue for both teams,” he added. PTI TAP BS BS