Jakati only Goan picked for IPL-9

Panaji: It’s that man again. After missing out on the Indian Premier League (IPL) last season, Goan cricketer Shadab Jakati is back among the elite of Indian cricket after being handpicked by Gujarat Lions at the auction in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Jakati, understandably, was on tenterhooks prior to the auction as the franchisees seemed spoilt for choice with the players on offer.But with a solid season to back him, Jakati knew he would find takers.
“I am delighted, extremely happy that I now have an opportunity to play in the IPL again. I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Jakati, who was picked up for his base price of Rs 20 lakh and will play for the franchise for the next two seasons.
“To be honest, I was pretty confident that I would get picked up for the IPL. I had a very good season and I bowled economically well in the T20s. Against Delhi, for example, I had a five-wicket haul and I was picking wickets regularly. I have really worked hard on my bowling and tried new variations. That helped me,” said Jakati, Goa’s former Ranji Trophy captain.
Jakati will be the only cricketer from Goa at the IPL after Swapnil Asnodkar (formerly Rajasthan Royals) and Amit Yadav (former Kings XI, Punjab) both missed the bus.
Jakati, himself, could have been left in the lurch as big names like Hashim Amla, Martin Guptill, Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma, Pragyan Ojha and Munaf Patel all remained unsold at the auction.
“In the end, it’s for the franchise to make their choices; it all depends on what combination they want. I am a left arm spinner, have a good season and experience behind me. Now, I have to deliver,” said the left-arm orthodox spinner who manages appreciable turn.
Jakati grabbed 45 wickets this season for Goa, including 26 in eight Ranji Trophy matches. He added nine wickets to his ODI tally from five matches and added another 10 wickets in six T20 matches.
The Vasco-based spinner is no stranger to the IPL, representing Chennai Super Kings for six seasons from 2008-13 and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014.