Kamlesh Nagarkoti ( PHOTO SOURCE : X / TWITTER )
Kamlesh Nagarkoti failed to find a team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as he went unsold in the mini-auction. However, the talented speedster was roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 mega auction last month in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for his base price of INR 30 lakh.
Nagarkoti burst onto the scene during the 2018 U-19 World Cup as his ability to bowl consistently over 145 kph turned heads. His excellent performances during the competition played a massive role as India lifted the title with consummate ease. He was subsequently roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2018 for a whopping INR 3.20 crore. However, his career has been riddled with injuries and it has severely impacted his progress.
The 24-year-old has only played 12 IPL games in his career thus far and picked up five wickets. His last appearance in the cash-rich league came in March 2022, when he played for the Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians. The right-arm seamer is looking forward to joining CSK ahead of IPL 2025 and sharing the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni.
“I have been waiting for this for a long time. I am grateful that I have got an opportunity once again. I am back again where I always wanted to be. I am eager to join CSK, and that’s because of Mahendra Singh Dhoni sir. It is every cricketer’s dream to play alongside or under such a legend of the game,” says Nagarkoti told The Times of India.
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Nagarkoti asserted that he has worked on his fitness and is looking forward to having a successful stint with the Men in Yellow. The Barmer-born said that he is excited to play alongside Dhoni and is hoping to help the popular franchise win a record sixth IPL title.
“I never imagined that I would ever be able to play with him. I have worked a lot on my fitness, and I am injury-free now. The injuries troubled me for years and kept me out of action. Sometimes, you get frustrated, annoyed, and upset, but I kept telling myself that I would make a comeback. I am in a happy space now. CSK are five-time champions. My next aim is to become a part of the title-winning CSK side this time and help them win their record sixth title. I am really excited to meet Dhoni sir. I am looking forward to a successful and triumphant season with CSK this time,” he added.