In India’s highly competitive cricketing landscape, breaking into the national team is arduous. Countless talented players have excelled in the domestic circuit but failed to secure a spot in the Indian XI. Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran are recent examples of players who were overlooked for national selection despite their exceptional performances. However, Sheldon Jackson, the seasoned batsman from Saurashtra, remains undeterred at 37 years old as he continues to await his India call-up, fueled by the inspiration of veterans like Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni.
Sheldon Jackson, known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket, has consistently been overlooked for national selection throughout his career. Despite exemplary outings in the Ranji Trophy and a stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, an India call-up has eluded him. Jackson’s frustration was evident when he expressed disappointment at being snubbed even for India ‘A’ last year. However, he refuses to succumb to disillusionment, believing that his performances should be the basis for selection rather than age.
Drawing inspiration from cricketers like Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni, Jackson finds the motivation to persevere in his cricketing journey. Having witnessed Karthik’s remarkable comeback to the Indian team at 37 and Dhoni’s successful leadership of the Chennai Super Kings at 41, Jackson sees them as true role models. Karthik’s transformation and Dhoni’s continued impact in the game inspired him to remain dedicated and hopeful despite his challenges.
“I get motivated when I see Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni. I was with him (Karthik) at KKR and have seen his entire transformation. He is a true inspiration for me, and at the stage of my career, he motivates me,” Jackson said.
With an average of close to 50 in over 90 first-class matches, Jackson firmly believes in his cricketing abilities. He asserts that his consistent performances are a testament to his skill and talent. While he refrains from commenting on others’ selection decisions, he questions why he has not been allowed to prove himself internationally. His unwavering dedication and impressive statistics in red-ball and white-ball cricket underline his readiness for higher honours.
ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule Announced, Click Here To Check Full Schedule
“If you don’t get the chance, where will you make an impact? I can never comment on anyone’s selection. I can only ask about myself; that is why I have not got picked. I will never call a selector and ask why I am not picked. If I was not good enough, I wouldn’t have played 90+ games with an average close to fifty. My red ball stats and white ball stats are two different things,” he further stated.
Although Jackson did not participate in this year’s IPL, he is set to represent Saurashtra when the domestic season commences. His determination and unwavering passion for the game keep him focused on achieving his dreams. Despite the ongoing wait for an India call-up, Jackson remains committed to making a significant impact whenever the opportunity arises.
