Picture Credit: Twitter/IPL
N Jagadeesan had a close-to-perfect season in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. The wicketkeeper batter amassed 830 runs at a stunning average of 138. Jagadeesan also made multiple records as the Tamil Nadu batter scored five consecutive List A centuries. He also now has the highest individual score in the format (277) which he scored against Arunachal Pradesh.
But white-ball cricket has not been Jagadeesan’s best forte. While the wicketkeeper batter never struggled to score big runs, the rate at which Jagadeesan struck was an issue. The lack of power hitting also hindered Jagadeesan’s growth in white-ball cricket. The Tamil Nadu batter also did not get enough chances to prove his mettle in the Indian Premier League. Jagadeesan played only seven games in five years.
Now, prior to the IPL 2023 mini-auction, Jagadeesan was released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Although the wicketkeeper batter did not get enough chances to play for CSK, Jagadeesan is thankful for spending time around the legend himself, MS Dhoni. He said that being around Dhoni helped him grow as a cricketer. Jagadeesan also revealed how he used to walk up to Dhoni with the smallest of doubts.
“I stuck to a process and kept following it. I’m someone who likes to have a lot of energy while playing but I tried to keep myself really calm without trying a lot of different stuff while batting. From being complicated, it became simple for me. I used to be very pumped up each and every time I went out to bat, I was trying to be aggressive. But, I learnt to be calmer while doing the same old stuff,” said Jagadeesan to Wisden.
“Batting is always about adapting to the roles that are given to you by the team. Dhoni clearly told me the roles I would have if I played a game. If I had any doubt, I would always go to him and ask him for more clarity and even if there are any technical adjustments where I thought I could get better, in terms of hitting. He also gave me technical advice as a keeper, because we know his speed and agility. He’s helped me with my footwork as a keeper as well.”