Never expected I'd get this kind of price in IPL - Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik was sold for 12.5 crores to Delhi Daredevils

Dinesh Karthik was the second most expensive player from Day 1 of IPL 7 Auctions after Yuvraj Singh. Karthik was sold for 12.5 crores to Delhi Daredevils (DD), which was one of the surprises from the day 1 of IPL auctions.

Dinesh Karthik said that, he was really surprised by his IPL price tag. “Yes, I am very happy but I never thought that I would get this kind of a price. Actually, I came to know a bit later as we didn’t have access to television in the dressing room,” Karthik said.

He told that he was sitting in the pavilion after being clean bowled by Karnataka skipper, Vinay Kumar in the Rest of India’s second innings in the Irani Trophy game. “I was actually pretty angry with myself after getting out and was sitting quietly,” he said.

When asked about whether he have any pressure, going into the IPL as one of the most expensive player, he said – “I don’t think you play cricket just to earn money. I have never played my cricket that way. I have been picked by Delhi Daredevils and as a professional, it is my duty to perform to the best of my abilities”.

“I have never been through such a process earlier, so I won’t be able to relate how it works for a particular player in this situation,” Karthik said.

Karthik shows his desire to play for team India - “There is nothing more important than wearing the national team jersey. The goal is always to play for India and that will be an added boost while performing for Delhi Daredevils.”

Karthik said that he enjoyed his time with Mumbai Indians and is now he is happy to make a move. “I have had a fair amount of success for Mumbai Indians but now we have to move on since I wasn’t retained or picked by them. I have played for Delhi Daredevils earlier also and it is a great feeling to return to Daredevils,” said Karthik.

He also feels delighted to play with Kevin Pietersen. “KP is a legend and I am sure it will be great experience of playing and sharing the dressing room with a true match-winner like him.”

When asked about another wicket keeper Quinton de Kock also in the squad and who will keep wickets, he said - “I don’t think we have come to the stage of discussing such things. First I need to know what’s requirement of the team management and I will do accordingly.”