The Indian Premier League (IPL) is going in full swing with top teams locking horns against each other. Similar to previous editions, the 11th season to has brought forward some new uncapped players. Some go on to become big names, some just get lost in the history books. And such was Shadab Jakati. The left-arm spinner from Goa, who played for one of the best teams of the tournament, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) between 2009 to 2012.
In 2008, Shadab Jakati used the IPL to get out of cricketing obscurity. When IPL shifted to a foreign land, Jakati got many turns on the South African pitches and played a crucial role in CSK’s surge in the middle stage in 2009. He had two back-to-back four-wicket hauls in the debut season. Jakati was also a crucial player in CSK’s consecutive IPL victories in 2010 and 2011. He took 45 wickets in 4 seasons for his side. Jakati had a modest domestic record but later proved to be an inspired pick by the team management.
In 2014, at IPL auction Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) brought him for Rs 20 lakhs, however, he played only one game that season, against his former team CSK. But, after an excellent performance in Mushtaq Ali trophy, he was bought by Gujarat Lions for Rs 20 lakhs. However, he never got a chance to represent India.
Interestingly, in 2016, the cricketer joined the list of cricketers who joined the politics. Jakati in 2016 joined a regional political outfit in the poll-bound state. Playing for IPL’s strong teams’ such as Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, helped Jakati become a popular face in his home state. IPL gave him immense exposure. Meanwhile, to note, there are several players who have made a career in politics, but few have tried it while still being active.