Davy Jacobs eager to open with Tendulkar

Just over three-quarters of a million dollars wound up separating Warriors team-mates Johan Botha and Davy Jacobs after the first day of the 2011 IPL player auction. Botha was snapped up for the massive amount of US$950,000 by the Rajasthan Royals, while Jacobs was a bargain for the Mumbai Indians at $190,000.

The difference in money doesn't bother Jacobs at all. "My base price was $20, 000 so I took a massive leap. To be honest, I would have gone for free," he told ESPNCricinfo. Jacobs made a name for himself in the Champions League Twenty20 last year, where he scored 286 runs in six matches at an average of 47.66, and led the Warriors to the final. "I got the opportunity to play in the IPL because of my performance in the Champions League, I wouldn't have got anywhere without it."

Jacobs hoped his CLT20 performances would help him earn a national call up, but he has so far been ignored. Now, he thinks if he performs well in the IPL, it might earn him a chance to wear the green and gold. "I want to play for South Africa, but I know I couldn't have played better than I did in the CLT20. I am going to put the Warriors and the Mumbai Indians first and hope I can get there. There's no point planning it anymore."

As an opening batsman, there is the real possibility that Jacobs will get to partner Sachin Tendulkar. "I've had people tweeting me saying I may be opening the batting with Sachin Tendulkar. I've never met him but it will be awesome. The whole world looks at this guy. When I was a boy, he was playing Test cricket and he is still going." Jacobs did not keep in the CLT20 because Mark Boucher was in the side, but he is an able wicketkeeper and would do the job if called on.

"I'll bat anywhere or do anything. I just want to make the most of my chance."

He is known for his lively personality on the South African domestic circuit, and said he will try to bring some of that to Mumbai. "I just want to add what I can add. I will bring the same passion and desire that I have at the Warriors."

Botha received his news in a more measured fashion. He admitted to being surprised about his high price tag. "It's a massive surprise and these types of things are life-changing but with that comes responsibility." He has had a season in the IPL before, also at the Royals and he is pleased to be back at the same franchise. "I enjoyed my time with them before. I got along well with Warnie [Shane Warne] and the coaching staff. It's a nice to go back to a team where you were before."

The South African T20 captain is concentrating on the current one-day international series against India and the World Cup before turning his attention to the IPL. "There is a lot of cricket before IPL4. I'm sure once we get there we will give 100% for our teams."