Mitchell Starc has revealed Cameron Green was the main culprit when it came to the left-armer copping slack over his record $4.42 million deal in the IPL.
Starc was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the competition's auction last week for the biggest price ever paid by a club.
In last year's auction, Green was bought for $3.15 million by Mumbai Indians, shocking many experts considering he's now only 24.
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Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Starc explained the big all-rounder wasn't afraid to throw banter his way after copping the brunt of it for the past year.
"It's probably somewhat fair … the bowlers have been giving Greeny stick for the past 12 months for his IPL stuff, and he didn't miss a chance yesterday or today," he said.
"So it's probably fair he gives his own back now."
Starc's return to the IPL ends an eight-year hiatus having last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015.
Despite putting himself back into the short-form's biggest domestic competition, the 33-year-old insisted his priority was still the red ball.
"I've always prioritised Test cricket and international cricket, and it's hard enough juggling one schedule, let alone when there are two schedules (wife Alyssa's career) in the relationship," Starc said.
"I've always spent that time away from cricket with Alyssa or with family and recharging my body for being as fit and ready for Australian cricket.
"I don't regret it. I think it has helped my Test cricket.
"As I've said before, the money is certainly nice, and it is this year, but I've always prioritised international cricket and I think it has helped my game.
"Red-ball cricket is still top of the tree for me, my body will probably let me know about Test cricket before I want it to.
"It's a nice lead into the T20 World Cup next year with the IPL and quality of cricket that tournament presents."
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