Vasudevan Arundhadi Jagadeesh, fondly known as Jaggu among his team mates, is upbeat after his brief stint for India 'A' team against New Zealand 'A' in the second unofficial match played at Visakhapatnam last week. The seasoned right-hand batsman scored 91 runs and put up a 197-run stand with Juneja in the four-day match. The performance was a continuation of the unabated form, which the 30-year-old Kerala opener has been maintaining for the past two seasons in various formats.
Excerpts from an interview:
Of late, you have been in good form. Any particular reason?I am playing without any major changes in my style. However, the form can be attributed to the newly-found spirit of the Kerala team. I also have been putting in efforts to maintain better concentration. Apart from these, I believe this is the apt time of my career, and I am utilising it completely.
The recent match against New Zealand A team was a major series in your career. How was the experience?I thought I had played well. But looking back, I think I could have done better. Though the wicket looked even, it was a bit difficult to play at times. I could have scored a century, had I been more cautious. However, the series gave me great exposure. I feel there is always something more to learn.
The Kerala team has improved a lot over the past two years. No longer can the team be called minnows. Did you feel the change in approach of the players and coaching staff during your stint with India A?Yeah. The change we have been going through is considerable and now a player from Kerala is looked upon in a different light. It was evident from the camp and people do recognize the effort we have put in. This is a really motivating factor for every player from the state.
What are your expectations about the Kerala team in the upcoming Ranji Trophy? Also, please brief us about the recent performance of Kerala players.I am going to join the Kerala camp, which has already begun at Ernakulam. As part of preparations, we are going to play in various tournaments. Last season, we had a very unlucky exit in the group stage.
We will be working to make amends for that disappointment. The prospects of Kerala are very promising. The rapport between us and the youngsters is wonderful. The new-found motivation has been a driving force and I believe we are perceived as a major team in Indian cricket. In the limited overs format, we have made considerable success. I hope this will be replicated in the upcoming Ranji Trophy also. Moreover, the help and confidence given to us by our coach (Sujith Somasundar) has played a major role.
What do you see as the team's weakness?Bad luck! As far as now, we have been very unlucky in Ranji Trophy . If we make use of our potential correctly, then I think Kerala can be one of the best teams in the country .
Though you had a major T20 domestic season, you were not able to break into any IPL team. What will be the prospects next season?If everything goes well, I will. Last season, luck did not favour me. Now, I am concentrating on the domestic season and there is a lot of time to think about IPL.
Kerala has been showing consistency in all the formats for the past two years. Which format has been more com fortable for you?I like all the formats. While playing in Ranji Trophy, there is a chance to be more creative and play patiently . We will have time to learn and improve a lot.
You have been with the Kerala team for about 10 years. What has been your source of strength?Kerala Cricket Association's support for any player cannot be ignored. State Bank of Travancore, my employer, has also been very supportive.
Jagadeesh Fact file
1. V.A Jagadeesh has the fifth highest score in the country in all the formats in the past season.
2. In the last Ranji Trophy season, he amassed 871 runs, including four centuries in eight matches. He scored his career high of 199 not out against Services.
3. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 271 runs in seven matches and helped the team to reach in the semifinal.
4. In the Syed Musthaq Ali T20 Trophy, he scored 271 runs in nine matches. He played a major part in Kerala's suc cess in the recently held Safi Darashah invitational cricket tourna ment, scoring a double century against West Bengal.