Saurashtra’s Sheldon Jackson, a 37-year-old cricketer, has expressed frustration after being repeatedly snubbed for a place in the Indian national team. Despite impressive performances for his state team and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, Jackson has yet to receive a call-up. He took to Twitter last year to voice his disappointment, stating that his age should not be a deterrent to selection.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Jackson revealed that he draws inspiration from veteran Indian cricketers Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni. Both players have made successful comebacks in recent years, with Karthik returning to the Indian team at the age of 37 and Dhoni leading the Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title at the age of 41. Jackson described Karthik as a true inspiration and a motivation for him.
Despite his disappointment, Jackson remains optimistic and believes that his performances speak for themselves. He emphasized that his record of close to 100 first-class matches with an average of nearly fifty proves his cricketing ability. He acknowledged that his red ball and white ball statistics may differ, but he still feels deserving of a place in the national team.
Addressing the issue of selection, Jackson made it clear that he would not personally approach the selectors to question their decisions. Instead, he believes that his performances on the field should be enough to warrant consideration. He stated that he can only ask why he hasn’t been picked, rather than commenting on other players’ selections.
This year, Jackson did not participate in the IPL but is expected to represent Saurashtra in the upcoming domestic season. Despite the prolonged wait for an India call-up, Jackson remains determined and dedicated to his cricketing career.
In a highly competitive cricketing setup like India’s, breaking into the national team is no easy feat. Many talented players have missed out on a place in the Indian XI despite exceptional performances in domestic cricket. Jackson’s case is not unique, as numerous players have spent their entire careers waiting for recognition that never came. However, Jackson’s perseverance and belief in his abilities drive him to continue pursuing his dream of representing India.
As he looks up to the likes of Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni, Jackson hopes to follow in their footsteps and defy the odds. Despite the frustrations, he remains focused on his game, hoping that his performances will eventually catch the selectors’ attention. The upcoming domestic season presents another opportunity for Jackson to showcase his talent and stake his claim for a place in the national team.
Jackson’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by aspiring cricketers in India. While the competition for national selection is fierce, talent and determination can sometimes overcome age-related biases. As the cricketing world eagerly watches the upcoming domestic season, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can finally break through and make his mark on the international stage.
