IPL Elation

Two state boys - left-arm seamer Jitendra Patil and dashing batsman Kedar Jadhav make it to Bangalore Royal Challengers team

Suhrid Barua, Pune Mirror, March 9 ,2008

Playing for the country is the ultimate dream of any youngster. But getting an opportunity to play in the Indian Premier League is equally a ‘significant’ step towards furthering the career of a youngster. And two state cricketers from Maharashtra - left-arm seamer Jitendra Patil and dashing top-order Kedar Jadhav have surely taken a huge ‘career stride’ after both were named in the Bangalore Royal Challengers side.
Jitendra, who has been the most-talked about in the state cricket circuit for his ability to generate decent pace, made it to the main team of Bangalore Royal Challengers while Kedar made the cut for BRC’s developmental or rookie team."I’m pleased with the news. I’ve worked very hard for the last three days in the trials and very glad that the Bangalore Royal Challengers think-tank have given me the opportunity to play for them," said a jubilant Jitendra who plays for Jalgaon District Cricket Association in the MCA Invitation League.
Jitendra has won an one-year contract and will look at the prospect of bowling alongside the likes of Dale Steyn and Nathan Bracken. "It will be a rich learning curve for me. Steyn is one the best bowlers around while I’ve a lot to learn from Nathan Bracken who is also a left-arm bowler like me," said Jiyendra, who is expected to get his contract during the Deodhar Trophy tourney in Cuttack.
And for Kedar Jadhav, there’s no such regret at missing out of the main team. "I’m thrilled to bits at getting this opportunity. I am not feeling bad just because I’m in the development team and not in the main team. If I deliver, I know I can make it to the main team," he oozes confidence.
Though it couldn’t be confirmed about the monetary details, it is learnt that Jitendra should get a contract which would fetch him Rs 20 lakhs for the season while Kedar is likely to take home 8 lakh for an one-year contract.
SO, WHO MADE IT, WHO DIDN’T
*Jitendra Patil was the surprise package among all the names bandied about playing in the IPL. He may not have much to show for in terms of wickets, but his ability to generate decent pace made a strong case for his selection
* Kedar Jadhav was heavily tipped to make it the cut as his power-packed batting is ideally suited for the slam-bang format. The fact that he has earned a place in the developmental team and not in the main team shouldn’t be disappoint him as being mere part of the BRC team is in itself no small achievement
*Aditya Dole was with the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy side for the whole season though he didn’t play in all the matches. He has got a three-year contract with Kolkata Knight Riders though the status of whether he will be in the main team or in the developmental team will be known later this month
* Harshad Khadiwale was flown in as third player to take the BRC trials but failed to make the cut. A silken touch player, Harshad has been in rollicking form in the Ranji one-dayers leading from the front. He definitely has age on his side to make it in future
* Ameya Shrikhande had a fabulous run in the four-day Ranji Trophy this season amassing over 500 runs. But a disappointing show in the Ranji ODIs scuppered his chances. Like Harshad, he too has age on his side to make the cut in future for the kind of talent he possesses