'Never dreamt of playing the IPL' - David Malan excited to be part of the 'best league' in the world

England batsman Dawid Malan will be featuring in his maiden IPL after Punjab Kings sought his services at his base price of 1.5 crores. The English batsman has now revealed that he was very nervous going into the IPL auction. Malan said that he thought that no franchise will be looking to bid for a batsman. He further disclosed how he got the news of his selection.

"I tried to stay away as I was really nervous. I was a bit apprehensive as to whether I'd get picked up. Especially since I did a little bit of homework beforehand and though there are no real teams there that need a batter. So I was a bit nervous. I was upstairs, I was packing or doing something, and when I walked down, my wife said, " You've been picked up". Then my phone rang, and my manager rang, so that's how I found out." Malan said.

Our 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 duo @dmalan29 and @CJordan open up in a purely candid chat with us 😍#SaddaPunjab #IPL2021 #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/05DVLWVpkW

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 3, 2021

The southpaw said that he is thrilled to be part of the ‘best league' in the world. He added that he never thought of playing in the IPL and now, when he has got this opportunity, he’d look to make it count.

"Obviously extremely excited to be part of the best tournament in the world, to be able to rub shoulders with the best Indian and overseas players in the world, to get that opportunity is something i never dreamt of, so i was extremely excited when i was told." the 33-year-old remarked.

Malan is currently ranked No 1 in the ICC T20I rankings but it’s not certain that the southpaw will find a place in the starting XI as the teams are bounded to play just four overseas players.

Malan was also seen doing the traditional Punjabi thigh five celebration. When asked about the same, Malan sarcastically said that he needs to get better at it.

"It's a tradition (thigh five celebration) by the sounds of it. I think you have to do it before the each game, so i need to practice that and get the action going. Once i go back to my room tonight and practice that a few times. Hopefully, the next time i will be better because that was embarrassing tonight." Malan chuckled.

Malan has been a consistent performer for England and Punjab Kings will expect similar consistency from him in the IPL as well. Punjab Kings will kick off their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 12.