Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham reckons playing under former Indian skipper MS Dhoni is a dream come true after he was bought for INR 9.25 crore by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during IPL 2021 auction, last week.
Gowtham, who played for Rajasthan Royals last year, had a couple of fanboy moments in IPL when he met the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman. In fact, Dhoni gifted him an autographed bat during IPL 2020 in the UAE.
Ahead of the upcoming IPL season, Krishnappa Gowtham can’t wait to share the dressing room with Dhoni and follow his instructions on the field. However, it will be interesting to see whether he lives up to his hefty price tag.
“The price tag doesn’t put any pressure on me, I just want to go and win matches for my team. I have a 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,” Gowtham told the Times of India.
During the IPL 2021 auction, Gowtham became the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the history of the auction. However, the 32-year-old insisted that the price tag doesn’t put pressure on him.
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“I am ready for every sort of challenge at CSK. Whatever responsibility they will give me, I will grab them with both hands. I am ready to perform with both bat and ball. I want to win matches for CSK,” he added.
“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,” he told.
“It’s a dream come true for me. 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,” he added.
“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,” Gowtham concluded.