EXCLUSIVE: All-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham in conversation with ETV Bharat

Krishnappa Gowtham, who has joined Kings XI Punjab, said playing IPL feels like playing international cricket. He also said that playing in front of empty stadiums will not be a big issue.

Hyderabad: Karnataka Ranji cricketer Krishnappa Gowtham, who played for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has now joined Kings XI Punjab. The 31-year-old all-rounder has had a special conversation with ETV India. Gowtham, who played for India A, spoke on a range of subjects.

Talking about his lockdown days, he said, "I am at home. I got a chance to spend a lot of time with family ." On being asked about his nickname 'Bhajji', he said that his friends call him 'Bhajji' as he used to bowl like former India spinner Harbhajan Singh earlier.

On the difference between Karnataka Premier League and Indian Premier League

Gowtham: In the IPL, you get a chance to play with international players, learn a lot. Whereas in KPL, you play with the local talent. You meet many players. Young players are coming out in the league where you can share your experience. Both leagues are quite different. Playing IPL feels like you are playing international cricket while in KPL young players learn a lot.

Krishnappa Gowtham

How eager are you to play for the Kings XI Punjab?

Gowtham: There are four players from Karnataka in the team, Mayank (Aggarwal), Karun (Nair), KL Rahul and Jagadeesha Suchith. KXIP will look almost like a Karnataka team. I am very excited. For many years, we have team bonding. We have won many matches together. We have seen victories and defeats. So it is always nice to be on the same team.

According to you who is the toughest bowler and batsman?

Gowtham: I bowl in the powerplay, so many runs are scored. There are many people who bat well when I bowl. Sunil Narine plays me well but I'll name Virat as the best batsman.

Krishnappa Gowtham played for India A.

How would it feel to play matches behind closed doors?

Gautam: Playing matches without spectators would be slightly different, but even in Ranji Trophy matches, we play in the empty stadium. It probably won't make much difference. But when you play IPL or play big matches, having an audience will make a difference. At the moment we can just wait to experience it.