Krishnappa Gowtham has earned his maiden call-up in the Indian team for the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, comprising three ODIs and as many T20I matches between July 13 and July 25 as well. Recently, he shared his reaction after getting to know this.
“You live a dream for years and now it has come true and you can’t be more happier,” revealed Gowtham to PTI as his first reaction was asked.
However, he has been a consistent performer for his domestic team – Karnataka. And, he also earned a deal in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings as they bought him after intense bidding and now at 32, he has received his maiden India call-up as well. While starting his career by following Harbhajan Singh, he shared that he has some variety of carrom ball which is known for Ravichandran Ashwin’s speciality.
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“I developed it on my own. If you have to play at the highest level, you need to develop skills on your own. In my junior days, I have been coached by Erapalli Prasanna sir also. Obviously, you do look up to a legend like Ashwin. I love Ashwin’s mindset and approach towards the game,” Krishnappa Gowtham answered.
While being in the Chennai team, he revealed what former India captain MS Dhoni had advised him. He expressed that Dhoni asked him to “enjoy his game” which he tells all his juniors as well. However, he is happy to be a part of the Indian team now and he was one of the net bowlers during the four-match Test series as well.
“Mahi bhai had one key advice. You have to be in the present and enjoy the game. He told me to stick to my natural game and do it in the manner I know best. It’s always good to bowl to the best in the country and you get to learn a lot. Obviously it was a great experience being in the Indian set-up and bowling to quality players,” Krishnappa Gowtham further added.
Meanwhile, he has a stunning domestic record in his name where he has claimed 12 five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket and scored with the strike-rates of 141 plus (50 over) and nearly 160 (T20) in the white-ball format as well.
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“It really has helped that I have been a part of a very strong Karnataka unit. It’s not just about strength but also the fact that it’s a very happy unit. We all enjoy each other’s company which I have always looked forward to and it’s a privilege,” Krishnappa Gowtham again shared.
“If you have played India A, you are aware about how Rahul sir is as a coach and what he would expect from you as a player. So that gives you a better chance of preparing well for the tour when you have earlier played under him. It will be a great learning experience,” he concluded.
