Krishnappa Gowtham will garner a lot of attention in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). 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 IPL after securing his services for a whopping amount of INR 9.25 crore in the auction.

Gowtham is not new to playing in the IPL. The Karnataka ace has been playing in the T20 competition since 2018. He had made an instant impact in his debut IPL season by taking 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 live up to the expectations in the following two seasons.

In 2019, Gowtham played seven games and managed to pick up just one wicket. Royals then released him before IPL 2020 and he was signed up by Punjab Kings. Gowtham’s fortunes, however, did not change. He had a forgettable campaign in the last edition of the competition as he managed to play just two games.

I don’t feel any pressure of expectations – Krishnappa Gowtham

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 a reputation of getting the best out of bowlers, especially spinners.

“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,” Krishnappa Gowtham told CSK’s official website.

“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,” he added.

Meanwhile, IPL 2021 is scheduled to get underway on April 9. Defending champions Mumbai Indians will play against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament-opener. CSK, on the other hand, will open their campaign on April 10 against Delhi Capitals.