It wouldn't be far off the mark to suggest that Goan cricketers aren't often afforded space under the arc lights. Doubtless, their relative obscurity has got a lot to do with the team's not-so-imposing stature in domestic competitions. However, two cricketers — Swapnil Asnodkar for Rajasthan Royals and Shadab Jakati for Chennai Super Kings — have, in recent times, used the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a trampoline to soar into the world of fame and riches.
While Asnodkar has found the going tough after a remarkable beginning in IPL-1, Jakati hasn't looked back since making a mark in the second edition in South Africa. “Obviously it has changed my game,” says Jakati of his IPL stint. “It's a great honour and a pleasure to be part of Chennai Super Kings. It has given me great confidence bowling to some of the greats of the game. Playing alongside the likes of [M.S.] Dhoni and [Suresh] Raina has been a lifetime experience. Dhoni has been a big motivator.”
Jakati admits that playing for a Plate division team such as Goa that doesn't hog the headlines frequently can be difficult. “It sometimes is difficult. But IPL, as I said, is a great platform for players like us. Domestic players can showcase their talent and make a name for themselves.”
Unique experience
For the 31-year-old, the CSK experience has been unique. “It is priceless. Coming from Goa, getting into the CSK dressing room was a totally different experience. I was stunned for a few minutes looking at the greats in the dressing room. I knew I had to make the best use of this opportunity. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance in the first year but I learnt a lot by watching other players prepare.”
“The training programme for players is totally different over here. Working with Stephen Fleming, Andy Bichel, and Steve Rixon, and bowling with Ash (R. Ashwin), Albie [Morkel], and Doug Bollinger, you learn many different skills.”
The left-arm spinner believes Goan cricket has come of age lately. “We have really done well in the last three-four years. There is a lot of young talent coming up. We have been very close to qualifying but we have lost a couple of semifinal matches in the Plate league. It's just a matter of time before we start doing well. Whatever I learn at CSK, I try passing it on to teammates in Goa.”
Jakati also feels there is an increasing interest in cricket post-IPL. “There is a craze for cricket in Goa after the IPL. Obviously, it's a football-crazy place, but I can see a lot of interest in cricket. There are a lot of people playing in the streets these days. We have a good academy initiated by the Goa Cricket Association. You will see a lot more cricketers from Goa in the coming years, who will play in the IPL and hopefully, for India too.”
On his bowling, does Jakati feel it's more suited to limited-overs cricket? “I don't think so. I had done well in first-class cricket last year. Unfortunately, this time I had an injury. Every format is different. There is purposeful practice behind preparing for different formats. In four-day cricket, you have time to experiment but in T20 you will have to concentrate on bowling dot balls.”
The soft-spoken Jakati continues to nurture a dream to represent India. “It's my biggest goal and IPL is a good opportunity to catch the eyes of the selectors. I am working hard towards it and hopefully the day will come.”
QUICK TAKES
IDOLS: Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, and Steve Waugh
BOOK: Steve Waugh's autobiography, ‘Out of my comfort zone'
ACTOR: SALMAN KHAN
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Dubai
CRICKET GROUND: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium
