Gowtham delighted about India 'A' selection

"I have worked very hard on my ability. I have focused a great deal on my fitness too. Two years back, I had worked with [E. A. S.] Prasanna sir. I put those lessons into practice again," said K. Gowtham, after being called to play for India 'A'.

K. Gowtham (right) enjoyed a fine domestic season, taking 27 wickets from eight matches in the Ranji Trophy.

K. Gowtham has reacted with delight to his call-up to the India 'A' team for the three-day practice game against Australia. The tall Karnataka off-spinner enjoyed a fine domestic season, taking 27 wickets from eight matches in the Ranji Trophy. "I'm very excited; I did not expect it," he said. "I have worked very hard on my ability. I have focused a great deal on my fitness too. Two years back, I had worked with [E. A. S.] Prasanna sir. I put those lessons into practice again."

Gowtham made his first-class debut for Karnataka in 2012 but was then dropped. He spent three seasons out of the side before making a comeback this time. It is safe to say that the 28-year-old has now cemented his place in the team. "Every cricketer goes through ups and downs. When I was out of the team, there were a lot of people motivating me. My coaches, family and friends believed me, saying I had more potential," he said.

Gowtham stated that he would not do anything different, if picked in the eleven against Australia at the Brabourne Stadium (February 16-18). "I'm going to approach things the same way," he said. "We're playing T20s now (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy). After this, I will go back to my club and continue to train. I do not want to get complacent about anything."