Shadab Jakati wants to represent Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018

What's the story?

Former Chennai Super Kings left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati hopes to return to the side for the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League. The 36-year-old, who has never played for India has continued to impress in domestic cricket and wants to continue playing as long as he is enjoying his cricket.

Speaking to Sportstar on the possibility of representing CSK again, Jakati said: “I hope so, but it depends. They will obviously look at the current crop of players but if I have a good season like last year, why not?”

He also adds that he used the experience he gained from playing under MS Dhoni from 2009 to 2012 in domestic cricket.

“I try to share my CSK tales with the young cricketers of Goa. Dhoni made it easy for players, but there is a difference when playing for a side like CSK — with almost 15 match-winners — and Goa (which isn’t known for producing champions). Goa doesn’t have the same standard as CSK. We don’t have enough match experience. We don’t play that much of cricket compared to other states. But when it comes to talent, I think we are at par with others, we are just lacking in experience,” he added.

In case you didn't know...

The left-arm orthodox bowler announced himself to the world in the second edition of the IPL, which was held in South Africa. In consecutive matches, he finished with figures of 4/24 and 4/22. He went on to play for three more years for the franchise but the cricketer from Goa never got a chance to represent India.

The heart of the matter

The call from India might have never come but that hasn't stopped the spinner from continually spinning a web around the opposition. Last year, he finished with 41 wickets from nine matches for Goa and while he failed to pick up a wicket for Goa in the first match of this year's Ranji Trophy, against Chattisgarh, he scored a crucial unbeaten 22 to help them salvage a draw.

What's next?

With a mega auction set for next year, a good year might just be what the doctor ordered for Jakati. While that is in the distant future, in the short-term, he will be looking to continue his good form for Goa in the Ranji Trophy. Their next match is against Himachal Pradesh at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on October 14.

Author's take

At the age of 36, an India call-up might be one step too far for the left-arm spinner, especially with the emergence of the wrist spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. However, a big IPL contract isn't out of the question for an experienced campaigner, who has already played for three different teams. With the onus on the marquee players, he might just be a bargain buy for any franchise and as was the case with Ashish Nehra, CSK might just opt for experience once again.