The Karnataka all-rounder, Krishnappa Gowtham will be expected to grab a lot of limelight in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The reason behind it is his huge price tag. Last month, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made him the most expensive uncapped player in the history of the cash rich league after securing his services for a whopping amount of INR 9.25 crore in the auction.
Gowtham has been playing IPL for quite a few seasons as he made his debut in 2018. He had made an instant impact in his debut IPL season by scalping as many as 11 wickets for Rajasthan Royals. A handy lower-order batsman, Gowtham had also hit 9 sixes and as many fours in IPL 2018. However, he failed to justify his price tag in the following two seasons.
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In 2019, Gowtham played seven games and managed to pick up just one wicket. Royals then released him ahead of IPL 2020 and he was signed up by Punjab Kings. Gowtham’s fortunes, however, did not witnessed any change. He had a forgettable campaign in the last edition of the competition as he managed to play just a couple of games.
As Krishnappa Gowtham gears up to justify his price tag in IPL 2021, he has said he is not feeling any pressure of expectations. Calling his move to CSK ‘a dream come true’ moment for himself, Gowtham said he is looking forward to work under MS Dhoni’s captaincy who has made a name for himself of getting the best out of bowlers, especially spinners.
During a chat on CSK’s official website, Krishnappa Gowtham said, “I don’t feel any pressure of expectations playing for a champion side like CSK. In fact, it’s a dream come true for me to be playing under Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni). Bowlers love playing under Mahi bhai because he understands a bowler’s strengths and knows how to get the best out of him.”
He further added, “The CSK management understands cricket owing to its long association with the game which again reflects in its approach to players the comforting words and confidence given when things aren’t going right.”
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Meanwhile, IPL 2021 is scheduled to get underway on April 9. Defending champions Mumbai Indians will be locking horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament-opener. CSK, on the other hand, will open their campaign on April 10 against Delhi Capitals.