New Delhi: In a bid to add experience to a young bowling line-up, Kings XI Punjab Tuesday roped in Ishant Sharma on Virender Sehwag's advice after the senior speedster went unsold at the IPL auction.

It will be a massive boost to his T20 career after the setback at the players' auction.

Currently, India's senior-most pacer in the Test squad (77 matches), Ishant went unsold in the auction, probably due to his high base price of Rs 2 crore.

"A couple of days back, Viru bhai called up and asked if I am free. That's how it worked out," Ishant said after his first training session with the team.

Ishant said that he is fresher than some of the other pacers as he played only 5 of the 13 home Tests this season.

In fact, after the IPL snub, Ishant was looking for a County contract.

"I was not in a holiday mode. I was planning to play County cricket and was in search of a team. When you don't get a team in the IPL, you have to play somewhere," said the Delhi player.

Over the years, Ishant has played for a number of IPL franchises - Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiant.

The 28-year-old has 88 wickets from the 107 T20 matches he has played and has an economy rate of 7.75, with best bowling figures of 5 for 12. Asked what exactly would he bring to the table, Ishant said "experience".

"I would bring in experience. I can pass on my knowledge to the youngsters," said Ishant. (PTI)