The 17 th edition of the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence in Chennai from 22 March 2024. Every domestic and international level cricketer in India aspires to be part of this lucrative cash-rich franchise based league. But, only few are able to make the cut. In the seventeen editions so far, only five players from Goa have got a chance to participate in the Indian Premier League.
Swapnil Asnodkar
The diminutive hard hitting right-handed opening batsman will best be remembered for his exploits during the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. Asnodkar, who is Goa’s highest run getter in domestic cricket, formed the highest opening partnership during that tournament in 2008 along with South Africa’s Graeme Smith for the Rajasthan Royals. Together they scored 418 runs at an average of 59.71 in that edition. Swapnil caught the nation's attention with his attacking knocks at the top of the order at a time when Indian players were learning how to play T20 format. His fearless batting style was compared to that of Sri Lankan Romesh Kaluwitharana and won the praise of his captain Shane Warne. Infact, Asnodkar played a key role in his side Rajasthan Royals' win in the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. Following his heroics in the inaugural IPL, Asnodkar was nicknamed Pocket Dynamite.
Swapnil also participated in the 2009 IPL for Rajasthan Royals but could not make any significant impact.
Shadab Jakati
The slow left arm orthodox spinner is the only player from Goa who has played for three franchises - Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League. Jakati made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2009. His slow left arm spin got appreciable turn from the pitches in South Africa in 2009. He claimed 13 wickets in that tournament including two four-wicket haul in back-to-back games, a remarkable achievement in Twenty20s, to announce himself on the big stage.
Jakati was also a key figure in Super Kings' winning campaign in 2010 and 2011 editions of IPL wherein he took 13 and 10 wickets respectively. Later, Jakati was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 and Gujarat Lions in 2016.
Suyash Prabhudesai
Goa's highest scorer in Ranji Trophy this season, Suyash is known for his ability to score quick runs later down the batting order. Prabhudesai has been part of Royal Challengers Bangalore since 2021. Although Suyash could not play a single game in his first IPL season in 2021, he made an impact on his IPL debut in 2022 against Chennai Super Kings, scoring 34 off 18 balls coming at number six. A good finisher, Suyash is a very good athlete and has huge amount of power.
Saurabh Bandekar
The all-rounder from Goa who has represented the state in Ranji Trophy for 11 seasons, was involved with Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 2009 edition of IPL. But, he was on the bench and did not get to play even a single match. Later, in 2021, Saurabh was appointed as a scout for Royal Challengers Bangalore whose role was to find new talents for their side.
Aditya Angle
Aditya was part of the winning squad of Rajasthan Royals along with another Goan teammate Swapnil Asnodkar during the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. But, the right-hand batsman did not get a chance to play any match in IPL.
