Cometh the hour, Kamat the man for Goa

Panaji: To enjoy the sweet taste of success, one must experience failure. And success must breed success. Else, it’s just a flash in the pan. Something that Goa

cricket

captain Sagun Kamat knows too well.

As you enter the Goa Cricket Academy ground, Porvorim, you see the southpaw going through the grind with a few youngsters. Kamat displays leadership skills even in practice. He just doesn’t smash the ball to prove he is a class apart. Instead he mentors young players, ready with a word of advice.

Despite becoming the first Goan to hit a triple ton (304 not out) against Services while amassing 876 runs in the last Ranji Trophy season, Sagun has not let his guard down. The southpaw scored 600-plus last year and 500-plus in the 2014-15 season and he’s hungry for more.

The 33-year-old has set his sights on the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy which begins from January 29. He is also keen to set an example as captain in the one-day domestic tournament to follow.

When asked about his targets and expectations in the shorter format of game, Kamat replied, “I have no target in mind. I just want to do well as a player and as a captain and motivate the team.”

“I don’t expect anything because if it doesn’t come through, you get demoralized. The best way forward is to keep performing and hope that your hard work gets rewarded,” beams the Verem resident.

After Kamat’s stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy, people expect the Goa captain to become the third player from the state to play in the Indian Premier League after Shadab Jakati and Swapnil Asnodkar dazzled in the T20 extravaganza.

Last year Kamat was drafted into the IPL domestic players’ list without much luck. He had stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils but failed to get a look-in.

“I hope someone notices me and I get picked for the IPL. Sometimes your hard work gets rewarded when you least expect it,” Kamat says with a smile.

Often it is difficult to switch from a longer format to a shorter and ultra-short one but Kamat is game for it. “As a professional player, I am ready for any format. Fortunately we have a gap of one-and-a-half months post our Ranji campaign for preparation. We had an impressive run in Syed Mustaq Ali tournament three years ago and hopefully we will do better this time around,” reveals the southpaw.

Kamat, who idolizes Rahul Dravid and admires Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir, scored 60- odd against Uttar Pradesh last season during which he faced the likes of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar. The experience boosted his confidence.

Kamat believes Goa could do with more tournaments to give its players a chance to develop.

“The Goa Premier League (GPL) was a fantastic concept and it brought out the best in Goan players. We hope the GPL takes place this year,” said Kamat.

Kamat had an indifferent T20 campaign in the last two years. But failures, including being axed from the squad, only made him more determined.

“People were gunning for my head. I am grateful to Chetan Desai (GCA president), who believed in my abilities and always motivated me.

“When you do well, all join in your success. Failure tells you who your true friends and well- wishers are,” said Kamat before packing his gear and heading home.