Takawale takes on Maharashtra

“I will not play for Maharashtra again.” That was Yogesh Takawale’s reaction when asked about plans for the coming season. The wicketkeeper-batsman is so frustrated with the MCA that he is looking to turn out for some other team this year, reports Bivabasu Kumar.

“I will not play for Maharashtra again.” That was Yogesh Takawale’s reaction when asked about plans for the coming season. The wicketkeeper-batsman is so frustrated with the MCA that he is looking to turn out for some other team this year.

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“I have got a NOC and I am preparing to play somewhere else,” said Takawale, who scored 351 runs at 50.14 in the 2005/06 season, but has since shifted focus to playing in Mumbai. “If anybody harbours some personal grudge against me, I am helpless.” Takawale said. “It’s a given that if you score against Mumbai or perform well there you are noticed. Ever since the MCA dropped me I played with a vengeance. I have already chalked out teams, but my priority will be Mumbai followed by Goa.”

Taking a potshot at MCA president Ajay Shirke, Takawale said: “The selection process is a mere formality. Players are picked and dropped at random. If you feature in the president’s academy (Cadence) you have a strong chance to be in the team.”

Shirke rubbished these allegations. “It’s reckless on his part to pass such comments. We have always endeavoured to pick the best eleven. If he is saying all this, it only shows his defeatist mentality,” Shirke said.

Shirke said that Takawale was allowed to play despite several issues. “He set a wrong example. He once threw his shoes at our yoga teacher. We played him in a few matches despite Mr Chandrakant Pandit’s request to omit him.”