IPL 2019 | Looking forward to bowl to AB de Villiers, says Krishnappa Gowtham

Despite looking pretty under par for most of the last season, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan Royals side did make it to the playoffs upon returning to the league after two years of suspension. And one of the few standout stars from the season was definitely Gowtham, who, bought for over 6 crores at the mega-auction, ended the season was 120 runs and 11 wickets to his name.

This season, the franchise has further strengthened itself getting in the likes of Oshane Thomas apart from Steven Smith returning. And a pumped up Gowtham has admitted that he would want to take the scalp of de Villiers this season as RR look to replicate their first season’s feat. 

“I would love to get AB de Villiers’ wicket. He’s the 360 player and I am looking forward to bowl to him,” said Gowtham, reported HT.

The off-spinner has been in red hot form of late picking up 31 wickets in 42 T20 matches and recording a strike-rate of 168.99 in T20s. And he wanted to explore his potential by revealing his desire to further bat up the order and ball in the powerplay overs as well.

“I would love to bat up the order, but it depends on the team’s strategy. I’m not a person who has personal goals before the team’s interests. I would love to do whatever the team wants me to do. Last year, I got an opportunity to bat at number three against Kings XI Punjab, but I couldn’t make the most of it, maybe if I get another opportunity, I’ll try to do my best,” said Gowtham.

“As a spinner it’s pretty difficult to bowl in the Powerplays. There are only two fielders outside the 30 yard circle and it’s relatively easier to bat against a spinner in the Powerplay overs. It’s a little challenging, but it’s fun as well. When you get a wicket or bowl dot balls, it’s fun. I would love to bowl in the Powerplays. I would love to bowl with the new ball. I would want to replicate my performance from last year,” he added.