Karn Sharma ready to justify price tag for Noida Kings
Leg-spinner
, the costliest player at the UPT20 League mini-auction, is eager to justify his price tag and deliver for Noida Kings. In a conversation with Fazal Khan, Karn, who has represented India in one Test, two ODIs, and one T20I, opens up about his preparation, the importance of the UPT20 platform, and his hopes for a national comeback.
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Excerpts
Q: How do you feel about becoming the costliest buy at the UPT20 auction? Any pressure?
A: Obviously, it always feels great. Whether it's a domestic game or a local club match, the expectation to deliver is always there. I think my IPL experience will really help me in UPT20.
Q: Do you think you should have got more opportunities in the IPL?
A: That's not my call at all. It's entirely the team's decision, whether they want to play two spinners or just one.
I'm always ready to play.
Q: How do you see UPT20 as a platform to boost your career?
A: Not just for me, it's a great opportunity for many budding players to showcase their talent and impress the selectors.
Q:
has, for the first time, allowed Railways players with UP domicile to participate in the UPT20 League. What's your take on that?
A: I'm thankful to the BCCI and UPCA for giving me the chance to enter the auction and now play in the tournament.
Players from UP also represent other states, so these kinds of decisions are always good for the players.
Q: How useful is the UPT20 League for upcoming players in the state? We've seen players like Vipraj Zeeshan and Sameer rise from it.
A: It's not just the UPT20 League that helped them, their strong performances in the domestic season, in my view, were the real reason they got calls from IPL franchises. And they delivered well when the opportunity came.
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Q: There's intense competition for a place in Team India. How are you preparing for a potential comeback?
A: My preparation is the same as it was when I played for India in 2014–15. Whether I get to play or not, I want to give my best whenever the opportunity comes. I always focus on three things: performance, preparation, and process — because selection is not in my hands.
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