Playing his first IPL in eight years after concentrating on keeping himself fit for Australia, Starc had a difficult start to the campaign, failing to take a wicket in his opening two matches while conceding an average of 12 an over.

However, he claimed 14 wickets for the tournament, two behind Cummins, who was the leading Australian bowler.

After the match, a jubilant Starc said there had been “plenty of jokes” about his record contract.

“A lot has been made of the money,” he said. “I am older and experienced now, so that helped to deal with all that and leading the attack.

“It was a lot of fun for me personally and we have got an exciting attack.”

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Starc, Cummins and Head will all return home for a few days before joining the T20 World Cup squad in the West Indies. Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis will also be late arrivals, having played most of the IPL.

Maxwell’s form is a particular concern. He was playing so badly for the Royal Chargers Bengaluru that he dropped himself at one stage, finishing the tournament with 52 runs in 10 matches at an average of under six.

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