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The story of the 2017 IPL was Gujarat Lions fast bowler Basil Thampi, who impressed everyone with his bowling, especially in the death overs, and went on to win the Emerging Player of the Tournament award.
That was the time he became a household name and after that, there was no turning back for the pacer from Kerala as he went on to represent India A, got picked in the Indian T20I side, was called up to bowl to the Indian batsmen at the nets in South Africa.
After all these, he registered himself for the 2018 IPL auction at a base price of 30 lakhs and almost became a crorepati as he was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 95 lakhs.
Sportskeeda caught up with him after the IPL auction and these are the excerpts:
On getting picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 95 lakhs: I didn't think about the price when I registered myself for the auction. I just wanted to play and that's the only thing that was in my mind. I was hoping that at least one of the eight teams pick me at the auction and thankfully, Sunrisers bought me.
On the competition he will be facing at Sunrisers (nine fast bowlers including six Indians): I am not competing against anyone. I compete with me. I keep thinking what I want to do when I get a chance to play and look at keeping myself fit. Even last year, there were a lot of fast bowlers in Gujarat Lions. Still, I got to play for them. I just want to keep myself ready whenever I get a chance to play. I am ready to fight and earn my chance to play a game. I will surely work towards that.
On his South Africa experience: It was a very good experience to share the dressing room with some of the legends of the game. I learnt a lot of things from them. I bowled well and that gave me a lot of chances.
His goals for the IPL: My goal is to do well in the IPL. Before the last IPL, not many knew that I bowl yorkers and that was helping me in a way. This time, they will be aware of my capabilities. So, I am looking forward to learning some variations and how to use them ahead of the IPL, so that I can get on top of a batsman.
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