Ranji Trophy 2019-20 | CM Gautam leaves Karnataka to play for Goa

Ever since making his domestic cricket debut in 2008 against Uttar Pradesh in Bengaluru, Gautam established himself in all the formats as a mainstay in Karnataka but the right-hand batsman struggled in the 2017-18 season and was left out of the Ranji Trophy last season. He was one of the key players of the Karnataka team which won back-to-back domestic trebles but in order to extend his career, Gautam accepted the offer made by Goa Cricket Association (GCA) for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy season.  

GCA president, Suraj Lotlikar, confirmed to Sportstar that the formalities have been completed with Gautam and he will be one of the key players for Goa alongside Amit Verma - another Karnataka cricketer, who played for Goa last season. This season, the Goa senior team will be coached by former India international Dodda Ganesh as the 47-year-old is ready to take over as the coach for Goa.

Gautam stated that the presence of Dodda Ganesh was one of the major reasons behind his move. "It was one of the major factors. He's been seeing me from my under-19 days. He has supported me and coached me. He has a great cricket brain," he said.

Last year, Goa had a terrible show in the Ranji Trophy, losing seven of the nine matches in the Elite division and was relegated to the Plate division for the 2019-20 season. "The goal was to earn promotion back to the Elite division. That is the reason they wanted an experienced pro like me. Amit (Verma) is also there. We have achieved a lot with Karnataka. We have to share our experience and help motivate the youngsters. If Amit and I contribute our best, with Dodda's experience, I'm sure we will be able to help Goa gain promotion," Gautam added.

Earlier, there were speculations that Stuart Binny could also play for Goa this season but the GCA officials now confirmed that the plan couldn't fall in place in time. Last season, Goa had roped in Mohammad Azharuddin’s son, Mohammad Asaduddin as a guest player but he failed to perform and could score only 17 runs in three innings, forcing the association to dump him this time around.