It Was Like Having My Family With Me At That Very Moment: Krishnappa Gowtham On His Indian Teammates Hugging And Congratulating Him After He Bagged A Record-Breaking IPL Contract

Karnataka spin-bowling all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham was one of the biggest gainers in the IPL 2021 auction. Gowtham, who was released by Kings XI Punjab ahead of the 2021 auction, insinuated a bidding war among the franchises, which was finally won by the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Krishnappa Gowtham was eventually bought for a staggering amount of Rs 9.25 Crore, helping him break the Krunal Pandya’s record of being the most expensive uncapped Indian bought in the auction.

Gowtham, was is currently with the national side as a net bowler, described the whole experience of watching the auction as nerve-wracking. The Karnataka all-rounder said revealed that he was greeted with warm hugs from his teammates Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya after he landed a record-breaking deal.

“It was nerve-wracking, I was very anxious. We’d just landed in Ahmedabad and I’d just switched on the TV and my name came up. Emotions were changing every minute. Then, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya knocked on my door and gave me a big hug and they asked for a big treat,” Krishnappa Gowtham told ESPNCricinfo.

“It was a very happy moment, we were all smiles, it was like having my family with me at that very moment. They were all so happy for me.” he added.

‘I’m waiting to now join the set-up and have many fruitful conversations with MS Dhoni: Krishnappa Gowtham

Soon after getting the deal, Krishnappa Gowtham talked to his parents and his wife via video call. And, it was a feeling, the cricketer said, which cannot be described in words.

“My parents had tears, happy tears. t’s hard to describe that feeling. It’s all just sinking in. Obviously, this isn’t the first time I’ve been part of the auction but every time your name comes up, the kind of butterflies in your tummy is unimaginable. So they were equally eager and anxious to see me. But I think towards the end, they were also very happy. I could see that.” he added.

?️?️ 'It's a dream come true moment for me.'

Picked for a massive INR 9.25 crore by @ChennaiIPL in the @Vivo_India #IPLAuction, @gowthamyadav88 is looking forward to playing alongside his idol – the legendary @msdhoni. ??

Watch the full interview ??https://t.co/jCCLLPbWVV pic.twitter.com/oOGXaY0jzd

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 19, 2021

Apart from landing a record IPL deal, playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni, is the icing on the cake for Krishnappa Gowtham.

The all-rounder hasn’t had many discussions with MSD in the past but he is looking forward to having many such discussions during his stint with the Chennai Super Kings. He also recalled his first major interaction with MS Dhoni.

“The first time I met him, I asked MS what I needed to do to take my game to the next level,” Gowtham recalled. He can’t remember what Dhoni told him because he was so star-struck, but the autographed bat remains a prized possession. “It was a fanboy moment. After that, I’ve managed to chat with him a couple of times, haven’t really had long chats, they have just been short and simple. I’m waiting to now join the set-up and have many fruitful conversations with him. It’s an exciting feeling to play for CSK.” Krishnappa Gowtham said.

Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction: Chris Morris ‘Incredibly Excited’ To Join His Former Franchise Rajasthan Royals After A Record-Breaking Deal