JOIN USKarnataka’s wicketkeeper-batsman CM Gautam has been picked up by Delhi Daredevils for the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League beginning on April 3.
The 26-year-old, who was released by his ‘home team’ Royal Challengers Bangalore last November, was in consultation with a couple of other franchises but chose the Delhi side where he is likely to get some opportunities to feature in. During his two-year stint with the Challengers, the right-hander didn’t get a single match with South African AB de Villiers donning the big gloves.
“I was in consultation with two more teams but choosing Daredevils made more sense to me because there is just one more wicketkeeper -- Naman Ojha -- in their side,” Gautam told Deccan Herald on Monday after receiving confirmation from the franchise in writing.
Gautam has been in the form of his life emerging as the highest run-getter for Karnataka this Ranji season. His tally of 943 runs at an average of just under 118 is the third best in the country behind Punjab’s Jiwanjot Singh (995) and Mumbai’s Abhishek Nayar (966).
Not unaware of the recognition one gets with good shows in the cash-rich T20 league, Gautam hoped to maintain the form he has been in. “I’m obviously more confident this time and you need that when you play in a high-profile tournament like the IPL. The atmosphere, the crowd and the pressure will be different from say when you are playing a Ranji match.”
Right now, however, Gautam’s focus is solely on the three-day match between India ‘A’ and Australia starting in Chennai on February 16. “At the moment, I’m totally concentrating on my match for India ‘A.’ It’s a great opportunity to play against a side like Australia and I want to make the most of it.
“After that I have a month to prepare for the IPL. I am working on a few shots like the stroke past cover, the one over the bowler’s head and paddle shot,” remarked the Bangalorean who is the lone wicketkeeper in the side to be led by Gautam Gambhir.
Less than a week ago, Chennai Super Kings had snapped up State paceman Ronit More.