PANJIM: As Mohit Redkar and Darshan Misal prepare to go through the process of the Indian Premier League auction on December 19, in Dubai, three Goan cricketers – Suyash Prabhudesai, Swapnil Asnodkar and Shadab Jakati – who went through the process in the past talk about their experiences to O Heraldo, on Saturday.
When asked about his preparations for the IPL, Suyash, who is part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team, said, “It starts after the Ranji Trophy, so it gives him a month to prepare for the tournament.
He said, “The experience changed him overall as a player.”
“It has brought depth in my character. The platform has given me a lot of exposure contributing to the overall aspect of the sport. It has given me an opportunity to learn from the greatest of the game. Just by being around to these legends, you learn to imbibe the positive attitude and accelerate in overall growth,” Suyash added.
On two Goan players this season, Suyash said, “Darshan has been a part of our senior Goa team for a long time and he is a complete player. He has done extremely well in the past seasons. Same goes for Mohit, who is playing for the senior team from last year, is an exciting player to watch. Again an all rounder who has done well for Goa in junior age group and now continuing the same for the senior team from last year. Any team they will be part of will be very happy to have them on board.”
For veteran Swapnil, who starred in the first team of the Rajasthan Royal captained by Shane Warne said that he had no expectations because it was the first time something like the IPL was taking place and he did not know if he would feature in the playing level. It was a star-studded tournament and he did quite well in the practise matches and then Shane selected him in the playing team.
He said, “There was huge pressure because it was similar to playing at the international level. You have to be prepared but yes luck plays a role but you have to do your best. At times it will work then there are times when it won’t. You have to keep your cool.”
His best performance came in his first match where he scored 60 of 34 balls.
He said that he was given several chances in a group where there were good players.
He added that he learned the importance of discipline which kept him going. Now as a coach he said he shared the importance of discipline with the players.
When asked if there was any advice he could give the two players, he said that he hoped a franchise picked them up and then enjoyed the game and be themselves and importantly fulfill the plans of the team.
For Shadab Jakati who played with Chennai Super Kings in 2008 and 2009 said that he was coming out of a very good first class season and so he was motivated to do well and contribute for the team in the IPL.
He said, “The pressure was always there playing in front of 40-50,000 people but it was important to make the most of the opportunities you were given.”
In 2008 he did not play a match but in 2009 in South Africa he played in the team. In his very first match he took four wickets for 22 runs and took four wickets again in the next game against Deccan Chargers. Something very rare in 20: 20 matches.
When asked how the experience helped him, Jakati said, “My confidence levels were high. It helped in matches for Goa and other matches in the country.”
While giving advice to the two players from Goa he said, “Just go out there and work hard, it is a long competition. Believe in yourself and your ability and keep practicing and when an opportunity comes along grab it.”
