Hard work pays for Gowtham

 K Gowtham made his first-class debut for Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy game against Uttar Pradesh four years ago. After an ordinary 2012-13 season, the off-spinner was sidelined for three seasons.

Following impressive performances in the league tournaments and in the Karnataka Premier League, Gowtham was recalled into the Karnataka set-up for this edition of the Ranji Trophy. The 28-year-old started off with a three-wicket haul against Jharkhand in Karnataka’s opening game  and Gowtham’s comeback got better when he returned with another three-wicket haul against Delhi here on Thursday, which incidentally, was his birthday.

Gowtham said he has worked hard on a lot of aspects to earn his place back in the Karnataka side. “A cricketer’s life is always filled with ups and downs. Being sidelined from the State team never demotivated me but it made me work hard. Over the years, I have worked on my mindset and consistency.”    

Gowtham added that his team’s support has played an immense role behind his good start to the season. “I have been working hard day in and day out. My coaches – JAK (J Arun Kumar) and MAK (Mansur Ali Khan) -- and my team-mates have been helping me on a regular basis,” he said.