While names like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja are synonymous with the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) success story, there's another player who deserves a place in the franchise's hall of fame – Shadab Jakati. Jakati, the left-arm spinner from Goa, emerged as a silent hero during CSK's early years in the IPL, playing an instrumental role in their title triumphs in 2010 and 2011.
Shadab Jakati's rise in CSK
Jakati's journey to becoming a CSK legend wasn't a conventional one. He wasn't a high-profile auction buy; he was a part of the reserve squad in 2008, honing his skills and waiting for his chance. When his opportunity finally arrived midway through the 2009 season, held in South Africa due to security concerns in India, Jakati seized it with aplomb. His skiddy spin, particularly effective on used pitches, proved to be a valuable asset for CSK.
The 2010 IPL final against the Mumbai Indians cemented Jakati's place in CSK lore. Bowling in the high-pressure situation, he picked up two crucial wickets – the in-form Saurabh Tiwary and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar – effectively derailing Mumbai's chase. He also held onto a brilliant catch at the ropes to dismiss JP Duminy, showcasing his all-around abilities.
Jakati continued to be a reliable option for CSK until the 2013 season, contributing with his economical bowling and handy lower-order batting. He holds the record for the most wickets (45) by an Indian spinner for CSK, a testament to his consistency. However, with the emergence of Ravichandran Ashwin, Jakati's playing time gradually decreased, and he eventually moved on to other franchises.
Jakati's post-CSK journey
Jakati's post-CSK journey was a stark contrast to his initial success. After leaving Chennai in 2013, he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a modest sum. However, his stint there was forgettable. He could only manage a single match without picking up a wicket, leading to his release.
A return to the IPL came in 2016 with the Gujarat Lions, where he was picked for the same price as his RCB stint. Despite a slightly longer run with the Lions, his wicket-taking prowess remained subdued, managing just two wickets in six matches. The following season saw a similar pattern – two matches without wickets – and Jakati found himself out of favor once again. This marked the end of his IPL career, leaving him with a total of 47 wickets across 59 matches.
Jakati's First-Class heroics
Despite his IPL struggles, Jakati enjoyed a successful domestic career for Goa. He retired in 2019 with over 275 first-class wickets, 93 List A wickets, and 73 T20 wickets. However, the dream of representing Team India remained unfulfilled.
Despite fading from the limelight, Shadab Jakati's contribution to the Chennai Super Kings' early dominance shouldn't be forgotten. He was a vital cog in their championship-winning machine, a reminder that sometimes, the biggest heroes are the ones who operate silently behind the scenes.
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