Sheldon Jackson, 34 year domestic cricketer wants Indian selectors to look after his records in domestic circuit matches.
Sheldon Jackson on Indian selectors
Jackson last played for Saurashtra and raked up two connective scores of 800 in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons also helping them bag their first Ranji Trophy in the 2019-20 season.
When asked how would he showcase his talent in the absence of domestic cricket, especially Ranji Trophy or India ‘A’ games, he said:
“Didn’t I do it this year? The Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy? In such uncertain times, when you know Ranji Trophy isn’t going to happen, all you have to do is pray and do your best in white ball, pink ball, red ball or any colour ball. I know it’s easy to talk and difficult to do, but luckily this year, I’ve done it and that’s why I can talk. I have a record that no one talks about. I have 100+ sixes in Ranji Trophy. In a format that demands lesser risk, I take more risk. So I have the game.”
He sounded hungry for more as he asked who decides 30 is the cut-off age for India selection? He said he pushes himself even more because 34.
“Where is it written in the laws of the game that you’re not eligible to get picked for the national team when you cross 30?” – It’s easy to understand the emotions behind Sheldon Jackson’s words if you are a follower of domestic cricket.
Jackson has in excess of 800 runs in the last two completed Ranji Trophies, helping Saurashtra finish runner-up in 2018-19 and winners in 2019-20.
Jackson has scored in excess of 750 runs in Ranji Trophy four times. But forget India, he hasn’t even been lucky with India A selection in recent years. If his age – 34 – is the reason, Jackson is vocal about how unfair a parameter it is.
Sheldon Jackson on domestic players not getting due attention
Jackson now has shifted his focus to Puducherry ahead of the 2020-21 season to get more attention. Not only in the Ranji circuit but in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy too, the 34-year-old has displayed a prolific form scoring 242 in five matches at a strike rate of 155.12.
He also got an IPL contract for his stupendous run-scoring ability, as KKR brought him up in the 2017 auctions.
Jackson though is not happy with the limited time domestic players get in showcasing their skills and expressed that the COVID-19 situation has left many cricketers helpless as for some, that is the only source of income to support their families.
