Right-arm pacer Anrich Nortje is excited to have been presented with the opportunity to excel in the Indian Premier League(IPL) and feels extremely thankful to the recently concluded Mzansi Super League(MSL) for providing a wonderful platform for youngsters like him.

Nortje, who "was busy getting meat for a braai that night" when he got purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs. 20 lakhs during the IPL auction in Jaipur, now has the chance to play alongside some of the biggest names from around the world.

"I didn’t really expect to get picked up, but I thought, well, definitely give it a shot. When I got on the shortlist I was quite happy," Nortje told ESPNcricinfo, "I was in Struisbaai in the Western Cape, just in a shopping centre when someone phoned me and I heard."

The 25-year-old bowled superbly for Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League(MSL) and even impressed fast bowling great and teammate, Dale Steyn with whom he rolled his arms over from either end.

"Without that, I wouldn’t have been picked up. It was my first big T20 tournament. I’d like to get more exposure from here on, and IPL would definitely help that," he said.

Unfortunately, Nortje had to go through an ankle surgery after that but the pacer informed he is expected to attain full fitness by the time IPL begins next year in March.

"I’m just excited to be playing in the IPL. If I can get a game, that would probably be the most exciting thing for me," he reaffirmed, "It doesn’t really bother me who I’m bowling to, or whatever. I just want to play and just do my thing."

But the ultimate goal remains to play for South Africa at the highest level.

"I’d definitely like to play for the Proteas. I’d play any time, any format, it doesn’t matter what it is. I just want to get into the green and gold and play for South Africa," Nortje signed off.