Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham is looking forward to being part of a wonderful franchise Chennai Super Kings and playing under MS Dhoni in the upcoming 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, saying the feeling to play for CSK and under his childhood hero is “surreal”.
Karnataka all-rounder, Krishnappa Gowtham's long-cherished dream of playing under the leadership of the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni is going to come true this Indian Premier League [IPL] season.
He became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history after he was brought by CSK for the very hefty sum of Rs 9.25 crore, but the off-spinner has insisted that the price tag doesn't put any pressure on him and will not perform with a price tag on his mind in the forthcoming IPL 14.
Gowtham told Times of India, “The price tag doesn't put any pressure on me, I just want to go and win matches for my team. I have domestic match experience with me. I don't want to perform with a price tag on my mind. I am excited to play under Mahi Bhai and learn a number of things.”
He further added, “I’m ready for every sort of challenge at CSK. Whatever responsibility they will give me, I will grab them with both hands. I’m ready to perform with both bat and ball. I want to win matches for CSK.
I will be playing for CSK and under a big captain MS Dhoni. The feeling is surreal. I am fortunate and pleased that CSK showed so much faith in me. I am really looking forward to being part of a wonderful IPL team.”
The all-rounder has earlier played for Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Sharing the experience of playing under KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane, the Karnataka cricketer said: “I have played under Ajinkya Rahane at RR and KL Rahul at KXIP [now Punjab Kings]. Both are wonderful captains. Now, I am really excited to play under Mahi Bhai. It's a dream come true for me.”
He continued, “I always wanted to be a part of the unit which he [Dhoni] leads. He has won World Cups for India and has three IPL titles too. I can't wait to play under Dhoni Bhai. Last year I was playing with RR and managed to meet him [Dhoni] and got a mini bat signed.
I also spoke with him for a few minutes and asked him a couple of questions regarding cricket and he answered them so nicely. He is a legend of the game. I am really excited to meet my idol and play under him.”
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On his fresh stint with the CSK in the upcoming IPL 2021, the all-rounder said: “I am so happy that I am going to be a part of CSK now. As a cricketer, you want to get better every day and with time and that's what I have been doing. I have been working so hard. I played some good knocks in the domestic circuit and took wickets as well. And I will aim to continue the same for CSK.”
He continued, “It's been great and I have learned a lot during my stints with both teams (RR and PK). When you play and meet players all around the world under one roof, you learn a lot. I learned new things. New things and new learnings - that's the beauty of the game.”
When the IPL auction 2021 was going on in Chennai, Gowtham was busy bowling to the Indian batsmen at the nets ahead of the third Test against England in Ahmedabad.
He signed off, “All the seniors and Indian team members congratulated me after I was bought by CSK. I was busy bowling at the nets when the auction was going on. It's a great feeling. My journey has been a roller coaster ride for me, but at the end of the day when your hard work pays off, it feels amazing.”
