Goa’s famous trio prepare for new role

Panaji: Goan

cricket

received a big blow last season when the famous trio of Swapnil Asnodkar, Sagun Kamat and Shadab Jakati retired from first-class cricket.

The void left by their absence is hard to fill. But, there’s good news as the trio, with a combined experience of 270 first-class games, will try and help Goan cricket.

The trio was supposed to attend and appear for BCCI Level-2 coaching program under the guidance of Rahul Dravid at Bengaluru from March 15. However, the coronavirus pandemic put their plans on hold as the program was postponed following the lockdown.

For 36-year-old Kamat, it is now more about finding new challenges.

“As a player, I always relished competition. I have seen what a coach goes through and does what best he can. I like to do the same thing,” said the former Goa captain.

Jakati, who had a stint with former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming in GT20 in Canada, believes that he still has a lot to offer.

“Being a player and coach are two different things. I attended ECB’s Level 1 and 2 coaching in UK in 2007. I believe I understand what a coach’s role requires and I am game for it,” said the 39-year-old Vasco resident.

Asnodkar, who is already coaching Goa’s U-23 boys team, believes he can make a difference by becoming a coach.

“I want to share my experience and I know how to guide players as they are the ones who will perform. It requires patience and one needs to control his feelings more as a coach compared to a player,” said Asnodkar.

The trio now hopes that normalcy will soon return and they can chase their dream of serving Goan cricket in a new avatar.

“I can’t do much in such situation. I am relaxing with my family, spending some quality time with my daughter,” said the former IPL T20 hero.

Jakati is happy at home too, while Kamat has something else on his mind.

“Besides focusing on some business aspects, my mind is occupied on how I can be more helpful to Goan cricket,” said Kamat.

To attend the BCCI Level-2 coaching program, a candidate has to pass Level -1. However, if a candidate has played more than 75 first-class games for a state, he can directly appear for Level-2. None of the Goan trio had to attend Level -1.

In Asnodkar and Jakati’s case, having played in Indian Premier League (IPL) and rubbed shoulders with the best should help them sail through. Kamat, on the other hand, is known for his skilful management.

It is only a matter of time before the Goa’s famous trip get back on the field, although now in a different role.