PUNE: When Rahul Tripathi's name appeared for the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, all the Maharashtra batsman wished was for a team, and nothing more.
After a three-way tussle, the right-handed batter finally went to the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping Rs 8.5 crore. A sum that the former Kolkata Knight Riders player had not imagined.
"Honestly, getting picked by a team was the only wish I had. I didn't want to go unsold and all I wanted was an opportunity. Getting Rs 8.5 crore was honestly beyond my expectations," Tripathi told TOI on Monday.
Although Tripathi has played for the Rising Pune Supergiants, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders and has done well in the IPL, knowing the unpredictability of the auctions had him with sweaty palms.
Being a top-order batter, Tripathi has done well in the IPL when he was played up the order. However, the batter says he has learnt to adjust as per the team's requirement.
"I am not sure what has been planned for me. But in the past few years, I have learnt to play and give my best as per the situation. I am sure Sunrisers had thought of something while bidding for me and I will be okay with any position they want me to play at," he said.
Tripathi is in Lahli, Haryana, with the Maharashtra team to play the Ranji Trophy matches, which is being held after a year's gap.
"Playing Ranji is a different satisfaction altogether. The feel of the red-ball cricket is enriching and completely different. When the tournament was cancelled in January this year, I thought we would miss out on playing it again, but we all were happy that the BCCI rescheduled it," the Pune player said.
"Ranji Trophy gives so many players a chance to show their talent and ultimately work towards making it to the national team. I have no different goal, but to do well and stand a chance to play for India," Tripathi said.
