Christian rates IPL higher than Big Bash

Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian rated the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of his country's domestic T20 Big Bash.

"Big Bash popularity is massive in Australia, but obviously not like IPL. The viewership for IPL is pretty high," Christian told reporters after a training session at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

The Big Bash and IPL are fantastic and is a pleasure and honour to play in both the tournaments, he said.

Christian said he has not played under Virat Kohli, but had words of admiration for the Indian vice-captain.

Christian also said he is excited to play alongside Chris Gayle and Muttaiah Muralitharan.

"Yaa. I am looking forward to play with Chris, especially after having had to bowl at him a fair bit in the past," he said.

Replying to a query, Christian said in the next couple of days he would catch up with coach Ray Jennings and captain Kohli to know about his role in the team.

"More than likely I will be batting somewhere in the middle and offering some overs like I normally do," he said.

Christian said the team's set-up is very good and was pleased to hear that he had been bought by RCB to play in this year's IPL.

"Obviously, I admired RCB, when I was playing for the Deccan Chargers. I am very pleased when I found out in the auction that I was picked for RCB," he added.

Photograph: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images