Waking up at around midnight in New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson wondered how much Rs 15 crore would be in his country's currency, after having watched an intense three-way bid for him in the IPL auction.

The 6'8" pacer eventually ended up with Royal Challengers Bangalore for USD 2 million approximately, making him the highest paid New Zealander and fourth highest in the IPL's 14-year history.

"I woke up around midnight and decided to check the phone. Rather than trying to avoid the situation, (I thought) I'll sit back and enjoy it. It was certainly a weird hour and a half waiting for my name to be called up," Jamieson was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

"I had a message from Shane Bond (former New Zealand pacer and Mumbai Indians bowling coach) as it was going and he said, 'How good is this'.

"I didn't actually know what the amount of money was, how how that translated to New Zealand dollars. It was quite cool to share that moment with him and ride that two or three minuts with him.

Also showing in interest in him were Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kings in the auction on Thursday.

He is with the New Zealand team here ahead of the T20 International series against Australia.

Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson, RCB's director of cricket operations, led the charge to win the three-way bidding for Jamieson, who made his Test debut against India at home last year.

His retainer fee for the Black Caps, according to the report is between USD 100,000 to USD 150,000, which makes RCB's winning bid amount 20 times more.

It completed a rapid rise for Jamieson, who is known for extracting awkward bounce. The right-arm quick, playing in the 2019 Super Smash, picked up 6 for 7 in four overs, a New Zealand T20 record, which has been improved by only three men in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)