Karun Nair, who was one of the most expensive Indian buys at the IPL auctions held on Saturday, said that he was excited to represent the Delhi Daredevils franchise who acquired his services for a price of INR 4 crore, Times of India reports.
The 24-year-old is also hopeful that he would get to play under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid, who is being pursued by the Delhi franchise and whom Karun earlier worked with at the now-suspended Rajasthan Royals.
Looking forward to play for Delhi Daredevils: Nair
"I am just excited," Karun told TOI Sports. "I am looking forward to play for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL."
The Karnataka youngster, who shot into the limelight with an outstanding debut domestic campaign in 2013-14, was snapped up Rajasthan Royals for the 2014 IPL season and went on to score 330 runs in 11 games at an impressive strike-rate of 142.24.
He performed decently last season as well before the suspension of Royals meant that he was one of the many players in the side who was expected to fetch a sizeable sum.
However, exceeding all expectations, Karun fetched a sum 40 times his base price of INR 10 lakh as the two new IPL teams – Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiants – got into a bidding war for the wicketkeeper-batsman before being eventually acquired by Delhi, where he will also join former Royals teammate Sanju Samson as well as Karnataka teammate Mayank Agarwal.
Didn’t expect so much: Nair
Karun conceded that he himself was surprised by the amount of money he fetched at the auctions.
“Obviously, my heart is still pounding. Many people have been mocking me [about how] I was going to go for this much [money] or that much. When people keep telling you, it sort of gets to your head, so I stopped thinking about it.
“I didn't expect so much. I was only hoping to get what I got at Rajasthan Royals last year [INR 75 lakh]. That was the bare minimum I expected,” Karun said, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
Responding to reports that India Under-19 team coach Rahul Dravid could be appointed as the mentor of the Delhi franchise, Karun said that he would be delighted to work under Dravid, especially after his successful association with the Indian batting legend at Royals.
"He (Rahul Dravid) was great with me in Rajasthan Royals, so will see what happens in DD; I am happy to work with him," said Nair.
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