IPL 2018: Kolkata Knight Riders Rope in Tom Curran to Replace Mitchell Starc

by rishavApril 2, 2018

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England pacer, Tom Curran, has replaced Mitchell Starc in Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming season of IPL.

There were reports he would replace Starc soon, and an official announcement was made by the franchise today (April 2).

“I’m thrilled and excited to be joining Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL. I know from chatting to other players I can learn a lot from being in that environment, skills that I hope will benefit Surrey and my chances of representing England again this year and if selected, for next year’s World Cup,” he said.

IPL 2018: Kolkata Knight Riders Rope in Tom Curran to Replace Mitchell Starc 1

Curran being signed up by KKR will mean he will miss a few games for his county club, Surrey. He has played Two Tests, eight ODIs and six T20Is till now.

Curran made his debut in the ongoing season during the Ashes Test against Australia and went onto play. Starc was ruled out of upcoming IPL season due to tibial bone stress. He also missed the fourth Test due to the same reason.

Starc was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for a huge amount of Rs 9.40 Crore in the auction.

Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, though was unfazed by Starc getting ruled out, as he said the franchise is not leaving sleeping over Starc. Though, his absence will leave a big hole in KKR’s pace attack.

Mitchell Johnson and R Vinay Kumar are two experienced players in pace line-up, which also has Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi.

Meanwhile, KKR have big boost before the IPL opener. Chris Lynn, whose participation was in doubt for KKR’s first game, has flown from Australia to join the team. Mitchell Johnson joins him on the same flight.

There were doubts whether Lynn would participate in KKR’s first game or not? Now, it has been confirmed that he is fit and will play the first game for KKR. He will have a big challenge to remain fit during the IPL season, unlike last year.

KKR have always had big hopes from him, and the Australian batsman will be looking convey the results this year.Kolkata Knight Riders face Royal Challengers Bangalore in their first game of the season on April 8.