R Ashwin's presence is morale-boosting,says Jagadeesan

Dindigul Dragons wicketkeeper-batsman N Jagadeesan is creating waves in the India Cements Tamil Nadu Premier League. With two match-winning knocks in as many games, he is proud to have been adjudged Man of the Match on both occasions. He spoke to the TNPL website in an exclusive interview.

The youngster from Coimbatore has been a solid opener for the Dindigul Dragons, scoring 115 runs in his two outings. When asked on his great form with the bat, he said, “Well, I’ve tried nothing special over here. I’ve just been batting the way I always bat and it’s been working out for me so far. I’m just going to be the same way I was and prepare the same way.”

While he plays for India Cements Grand Slam in the TNCA first division, he also represents Ramakrishna Mills when he plays in Coimbatore.

Being a part of the India Cements TN Premier League is a big deal for a lot of youngsters. Says Jagadeesan, “Not only me but every other youngster is also excited about the TNPL because you play in front of a big crowd and cameras. It’s a new exposure for and everyone is trying to do their best.”

The Dindigul squad has the added advantage of having India spinner R Ashwin in the squad. He excitedly explains, “When Ashwin arrived, it was a big morale-booster for everyone. He’s been really chill with us.”

Having played cricket from the age of eight, Jagadeesan credits to his father CJ Narayan as well his coaches Guruswamy and Vinod. A fast bowler to begin with, he had to switch to wicket-keeping due to a suspect bowling action. Growing up, he had two role models in Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

Dindigul is one of the teams to enjoy a home advantage. He said, “The ambience over there was fantastic. Everyone just kept cheering throughout the game. They kept chanting everyone’s name over there. It was really good over there.” Jagadeesan also praises their winning form due to a very good team dynamic and feels that is why things have been going really well for them.

On their bowling attack being a spin-dominated one, Jagadeesan disagrees. “We have a lot of fast bowlers as well in a team. We have a lot of bowlers but we haven’t used them, they are going to be a surprise package for every other team.”

The youngster has just completed his third year of B Com Computer Science from PSG College, Coimbatore, and plans to study further as well. He gives a special thanks to his college which has been very lenient with him. He says, “I have to just go and write the exam they don’t care about my attendance.”

He is happy to have been picked by Dindigul, but adds cheekily, “On the softer side I thought Coimbatore might pick me being a home town boy.”