He became a household name after he fetched a whopping Rs 3.75 crore at the IPL auction for domestic players, but 26-year-old Karn Sharma feels that his maiden India call-up will only encourage him to do well at the next level and make a name for himself as an international all-rounder. 

"I take my batting as seriously as I take leg-spin bowling. I would like to be known as a specialist allrounder and make a name for myself in international cricket," Sharma, who has played 33 first-class matches for Railways, told Press Trust of India after being selected for the ODI and T20 squad touring England.

"Yes, I am very happy that I have got a call-up for the senior team but at the same time I must tell you that I don't work hard expecting things. I work hard because I know that hard work pays off in the end. The real challenge begins now." 

He has been a bright new find for IPL outfit Sunrisers Hyderabad but he feels that he has been rewarded for his good showing in the limited opportunities he got in Australia.

"Playing in IPL has been a learning experience for me but this A tour to Australia was in a different league. I believe you learn to handle pressure better. Even though it was India A, I was representing my country. I had a bit of role in India A's win in one of the matches. I felt so good after winning the match against South Africa A," added Sharma, whose 39 not out and 2/35 at Darwin was a match-winning effort. 

However, with prime bowler Ravichandra Ashwin being benched for half the Test series, only time will tell how much playing time Sharma gets in England.