Indian Premier League auction: Karn Sharma, Sunrisers Hyderabad's warrior prince

The decision to introduce "uncapped" players in the Indian Premier League auction pool was one of the best decisions ever taken by the IPL Governing Council. With at least three domestic cricketers becoming overnight multi-millionaires, Thursday's auction in Bangalore threw up quite a few surprises. At least, domestic talent was recognized as the highest wicket-taker (Rishi Dhawan) and top run-getter (Kedar Jadhav) in Ranji Trophy went laughing all the way to the bank. This year's auction also proved a level-playing field as the unheralded players got a scope to 'trade' with the big guns. Interestingly, Dhawan (bought by Kings XI for 3 crore) got a better deal than established names like Ishant Sharma (2.6 crore, Sunrisers) and Umesh Yadav (2.6 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders). (Karn Sharma most expensive uncapped player)

The fact that Meerut lad Karn Sharma clinched a "record" Rs 3.75 crore deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad proves that there is a space for a leg-break googly bowler in the T20 format and that the goddess of wealth can bless you anytime. As Karn said: "I had absolutely no idea that I will get the highest among uncapped players. All I wanted is that someone should bid for me," the 26-year-old said. Karn had a base price of 30 lakh, a value that was put on most uncapped players with reasonable success in the domestic circuit. (Karn Sharma hopes to repay Sunrisers' faith)

Karn was at the nets when he got the good news from his recently-married wife. "I asked her to stop joking around and tell me exactly how much I had been bought for. My base price was just Rs 30 lakh. It was only when I checked the figure on the internet and received a call from Amit Mishra that I believed it," said Karn, who had bagged a Rs 20 lakh contract with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009. (IPL auction Day 2 highlights)

Karn picked 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.60 last year for Sunrisers. T20 is not about getting wickets. It's more about plugging runs in the middle overs. On Thursday, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils were first off the blocks but backed out once Kings XI joined the fray at 75 lakh. The Punjab team and Sunrisers then got engaged in a fierce bidding game and in less than 60 seconds, the 3-crore mark was breached. It could not have been more dramatic for a relatively unknown name as a desperate Hyderabad beat Kings XI by a margin of 25 lakh.

The big money will make Karn more accountable. The mega bucks has already brought him to the limelight, to live and bask in it will be the challenge. "I wasn't really bothered about my price. Now that it has come, my responsibility has increased. I have to repay back the faith that Sunrisers have shown in me," Karn said.

Having opened for the Railways across all formats since making his Ranji debut in 2007, Karn reckons that he can be called an all-rounder. "I take my batting very seriously. I have scored a century and six 50's in Ranji Trophy. I prefer being known as an all-rounder. I am ready to bat up the order if the team management wants me to do so," says Karn.

The Railways leg-spinner feels that Kings XI Punjab showed interest in him as Piyush Chawla was taken by Kolkata Knight Riders. "I believe there was a bidding war because Kings XI Punjab also needed a leg-spinner and Sanju bhai (Sanjay Bangar) was at the bidding table. I have played for Railways under Sanju Bhai's captaincy and he is aware about my abilities. In any case, more than the price, you want to play matches. Sunrisers had given that opportunity earlier also and I am honoured to return to their fold," said Karn.

From being a 'Fitter' (Grade 3 employee posted in Varanasi with a monthly salary of Rs 17000) of the Indian Railways to bagging a multi-crore deal, Karn has come a long way. "I am proud to play for Railways and never had any complaints with facilities provided to us," said Karn. His mother is a teacher while his father runs a business.

Recently, Karn was selected among the probables for the ICC World T20 although he didn't make it in the final 15. "The selection in the probables list for World T20 was a huge boost for me. This meant that selectors are watching my performance. At the end of the day, a player would be known for his performance rather than price," Karn concluded. At least, this young man knows where the priorities lie.

(With PTI inputs)