IPL auction 2018: Why Kamlesh Nagarkoti sat in the washroom during bidding

Kamlesh Nagarkoti

India's latest pace sensation Kamlesh Nagarkoti admitted nerves got the better of him as he watched three franchises bid for him frantically at the auction on Saturday. Nagarkoti, roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 3.20 crore, was highly sought after in the auction after he made headlines at the ongoing U-19 World Cup by constantly bowling in excess of 140kmh.

'Was little nervous'
"Friends kept calling me. I didn't pick up the phone. I didn't watch my bidding. Andar se thoda nervous tha main (I was a little nervous from within). When my room partner Pankaj Yadav turned on the live stream, I couldn't take it, so I went and sat inside the washroom even as my bidding kept going on." he said. "I spoke a little to my coach, but couldn't do so for long because people were after him for interviews.

I finally slept but not properly; was up by 4am again." Asked about what he was looking forward to the most, the wiry pacer said "Chris Lynn and Andre Russell are my favourites." Nagarkoti's U-19 teammate, Prithvi Shaw stated while it would have been nice to be associated with the Mumbai Indians, he was thrilled to be just part of the IPL.

Prithvi: Experience counts
"What's important is the experience you get as youngsters in under-19 cricket. It doesn't matter if I got to Mumbai or any other team. Obviously there's a hope that I'm a Mumbai player and I'll go to the Mumbai team, but whatever happens is good," said Shaw.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here

Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go