Of the many small-town heroes who have made it big in the IPL, none has had a bigger impact than Swapnil Asnodkar. The lad from Goa has had a stirring run in the event that has actually forced a few teams to redesign their strategies in accordance to the strength and weakness of the diminutive dynamo.
Asnodkar has cast such a spell that Rajasthan Royals’ semifinal opponents Delhi see him as one of the possible threats. "He has been such a revelation and has performed as consistently as some of the bigger stars in his team, his wicket will be extremely crucial for us," said T.A. Sekar of the Daredevils.
Rajasthan skipper Shane Warne has not grown tired of singing Asnodkar’s praises.
"The way he has adapted himself to the format has been excellent and he not let the big stage or growing expectations affect him at any point. He has it in to play even at a higher level and he has been without doubt our biggest gain with the bat," said Warne.
With encomiums pouring in and Warne reposing huge faith in his abilities it can be safely assured Asnodkar will be central to his team’s plans in the semifinals.
Asnodkar is a naturally attacking batsman who has thrived on throwing the kitchen sink at everything. In a sense his methods at the crease are tailor made for the shortest version. "I have not really changed my game for the IPL, this is the way I normally bat. Only that it is getting noticed now," said Asnodkar.
The batsmen has also struck a fine chemistry with Graeme Smith and attributes some of his success to the South African. "He takes away the pressure from me and also makes the bowler think differently and that makes my job easier. I get a lot of loose stuff to pile on to," said Asnodkar.
The fundamental challenge for any modern day batsmen is tight defence. Brought up on an over dose of limited overs cricket it is almost sacrilege to possess watertight technique. Asnodakar for his part has never tried to do anything that doesn’t suit his alignment. His short frame limits his reach but Asnodkar goes for his shots only when offered the width or rocks back quickly to make the bowler pay even if he is only fractionally short.
In short his shot selection has been aide. His innings against Chennai was proof on the distance he has traveled on the subject of shot selection. He has also been guilty of throwing it away on a few occasions but he cannot be faulted entirely, as his batting thrives on adrenaline.
Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth who knows a thing or two about attacking batsmanship is thrilled to see a talent like Asnodkar.
"He has taken the IPL by storm. To go out and make a few runs when nothing is expected of you is easy but the youngster has been consistent without changing his style and more importantly not let the burden of expectations get to him."
When the tournament began it was only wise to note there would be a few relatively unknown names who will go on to become household names. None have made it bigger than Asnodkar.
From a batsman who plays with gay abandon in the domestic circuit to an impact player in a blue ribbon event, the journey has been quite memorable. It is time to thank him for the entertainment and wish him luck for the final stretch.
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