I want to buy a house for my family: K Gowtham

Till February 20th, Harbhajan Singh was a star for K Gowtham, on whom he modelled his action and inspired to bowl off-spin. The IPL 2017 auction has changed the world, like few others, for Krishnappa Gowtham from Karnataka. The 28-year old was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 2 crores, 20 times his base price of Rs 10 lakhs.

Gowtham has so far played 12 first-class matches to pick 36 wickets and 20 T20s and picked 16 wickets, is excited to play with his idol Harbhajan and also to be a part of the franchise which is literally star-studded with players as well as supporting staff.

“I was not expecting any price, to be honest. I just wanted to be picked by any franchise. It is a great feeling to play with my idol, Harbhajan Singh. I have always looked up to him. I really can’t express my feelings at the moment. I have never met Harbhajan and now I have a chance to meet and also play with him”, told Gowtham who was quite excited at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with his idol.

Gowtham had made his debut back in 2012 but had to wait for 3 years to return to the scene. He had a good Ranji season for Karnataka and bagged 27 wickets in 8 matches. He performed well in the KPL for Mysuru Warriors and picked up 11 wickets from 8 games. However, it was his career best first class score of 74 off 68 balls, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes, against Australia in the practice match for Board President’s XI that suddenly put Gowtham into the limelight.

Also read – Andre Russell can’t play this year, but we haven’t released him: KKR CEO Venky Mysore

“In batting, I would like to power hit like Kieron Pollard. For me, it is an immense pleasure to watch him taking the bowling attacks apart. I like the power of Pollard and am keen to interact with him at Mumbai Indians”, which was very much evident when he took the Aussie bowlers to cleaners at the Brabourne stadium.

“It was a great experience playing against Australia in Mumbai. It was a new kind of experience for me. However, I did not take the pressure and did what best I had been doing in matches,” he said as per the quotes on OneIndia

On queries whether his life has changed since the auction, he said, “It is normal. The only difference is that I have been getting a lot of phone calls.”

His plans with the money from IPL was very simple, “I want to buy a house for my family.” Gowtham is very much aware of the challenge ahead and seemed quite focused on what needs to be done for IPL which starts on April 5 and future, “I am now focused on doing well. I want to prove my worth. IPL is a platform to get into the Indian side and I am keen to impress,” he signed off.