EXCLUSIVE: Maharashtra Premier Legaue's future looks bright, says Kolhapur Tuskers captain Kedar Jadhav

Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav is currently representing Kolhapur Tuskers in the Maharashtra Premier League.

Players like Kedar Jadhav, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ankit Bawne have become a star attraction for Maharashtra Cricket’s dream project Maharashtra Premier League. Maharashtra Cricket Association under Rohit Pawar’s presidency started Maharashtra's own T20 league with 6 participants. Kolhapur, Solapur, Nasik, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar are the 6 teams in line for the MPL trophy. Kolhapur Tuskers Captain Kedar Jadhav is hopeful that Maharashtra Premier League will be a big thing ahead. Kolhapur Tuskers are owned by Punit Balan and Team under Kedar’s leadership have won 2 of their first 3 games. 

Kedar Jadhav also played a magnificent innings of 85 runs against Solapur Royals to help Kolhapur win their 2nd game. Platforms like Maharashtra Premier League are important for the young players showcasing their talent. Kedar Jadhav in an exclusive interview with KhelNow has said that MPL will provide a great platform for youngsters who will look to make it big in their careers. Kedar Jadhav also looks hungry for more time in International cricket and said that he had not played his last game for India yet and is preparing for another comeback. 

Kedar Jadhav, who has represented India in 73 ODIs and 9 T20Is, joined KhelNow for an exclusive chat and below are the excerpts from the interview:

Q. How excited are you to be part of the MPL (Maharashtra Premier League)

Kedar Jadhav: Very Excited, because Maharashtra has got so much talent that I could see, and the scouts around the IPL teams can see. This allows Maharashtra players to better their skills and go on to play for India from here on. It's a very good platform and I am very happy, and I will thank Maharashtra Cricket Association president Rohit Pawar. He came in just 6 months before and started with a great platform for the youngsters of Maharashtra, we are very grateful to him. 

Q. TNPL, KPL and now MPL, will there be multiple T20 leagues around the country going ahead? Will it impact traditional domestic cricket?

Kedar Jadhav: I don’t think so, I believe that very few people get the opportunity to represent their respective states, only 15-20 get selected for Ranji Trophy. But still, much of the talent remains hidden, but a platform like this will give them an advantage when the tournament is televised, scouts are there, IPL teams may show interest and they can build their careers from here on and can go on to play for India. So I think this is a good platform across India. 

Q. In your opinion, What is T20 cricket’s future in comparison to International cricket or other formats?

Kedar: I don’t see any threat as of now, I like to stay in the present rather than looking so far in the future. I think, as things are going on right now, everyone should enjoy it. Yes, T20 games happen more as people get to see so much talent in a short time and a tournament gets over within 15-20 days.

Q. Who are the players to go far in their career from Maharashtra Premier League?

Kedar: Definitely, 3-4 players are there that I see doing well in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy first and then in the Indian Premier League, and can go on to even play for India. I will not take anyone’s name but there are 3-4 players other than the 5-6 regulars from us (Kedar, Rahul, Ankit, Ruturaj) doing well in the tournament. It is a very good sign for Maharashtra that if 10-12 players from the state play in the IPL and 4-5 players play for Team India then it’s a good sign for Maharashtra Cricket.

Q. How do you see the future of the Maharashtra Premier League?

Kedar: MPL’s future is very bright because the motive is clear and it is to promote young talent and give them an opportunity to all those who deserved to be given a chance to play and showcase their talent. This league has a very bright future. 

Q. Have you played your last game for India?

Kedar: No, I have not yet.

Q. Are you planning for another comeback? 

Kedar: Yes. definitely. 

Q. What’s the best memory you have of representing India? 

Kedar: Every time I played for India is a great memory. Since the Independence in 1947, the International cap count has not reached 500-600 so I find myself lucky to have represented India. Everyone I wear the Indian jersey I feel grateful to God for allowing us to represent our country.