Exclusive: Krishnappa Gowtham reveals key difference between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings

Mumbai Indians signed all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham for INR 2 crore ahead of IPL 2017. He wasn’t handed any opportunity and was released ahead of the 2018 mega-auction, where Rajasthan Royals signed him. He played 15 matches in 2018 edition and picked up 11 wickets at an economy of 7.80, while his unbeaten cameo of 11-ball 33 helped his team beat Mumbai Indians by three wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.

As someone who provides four overs with the ball and also brings an aggressive batting ability lower down the order, Gowtham was certainly an asset in any team. However, due to poor consistency, opportunities dried up as he played just seven matches for the Royals in 2019 and was released before the next season. In 2020, he joined Punjab Kings and played only two matches before being released once again.

Interestingly, in 2021, Chennai Super Kings broke the bank and signed Gowtham for a whopping INR 9.25 crore. It was the maximum a franchise spent on an uncapped player in the history of the tournament. Gowtham was expected to be a key player for the franchise but he spent the entire season warming the bench, like he had to in Mumbai.

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However, he believes that the Chennai dressing room is slightly better than that of Mumbai’s. The Bengaluru-born noted that both franchises are professional but one factor makes CSK a better franchise.

He expressed that while the Mumbai franchise leaves no stone unturned to take care of a player, the Chennai franchise not only looks after its players but also makes sure that their family is happy, keeping everyone in a good space and settled frame of mind.

“I think Mumbai has a very professional set-up. When it comes to Mumbai, everything is very organised. When it comes to Chennai, they are also professional and organised," Gowtham said while speaking exclusively to CricTracker.

"They have every flavour of what Mumbai has but the flavour [which] I love the most about CSK is that they will make sure that you’re comfortable and at the same time that they will make sure your whole family is comfortable. They believe that if the family around you is comfortable and they are happy, the best comes out of you. They make sure that everyone is in a good space and good frame of mind," he added.