Until the second edition of the Karnataka Premier League began, Jayaprakash Shetty was an unknown entity. But this soft-spoken lad shot to fame this season with match-winning all-round shows for the Bijapur Bulls.
Being the surprise package, the Dubai-based Shetty played a stellar role in most of the matches. “I feel honoured when some people told me that I was a surprise package of the team. Even in the UAE, I have been performing in the domestic matches over the last three years,” said the 28-year-old.
The Mangalore-born cricketer is currently working for Universal Steel, an oil company as a sales officer. “I took two months leave especially for the KPL. When I heard about the launch in the first season, I was very keen to play. I got this amazing opportunity to play and the efforts paid off,” said Shetty, who scored 197 runs from seven matches.
The former Bangalore University all-rounder enjoyed his dual role during his stint with the Bulls. “Being an all-rounder, I love to open the bowling and prefer to bat at No.3. I used to spend more time at the nets, concentrating on line and length. Whenever I batted at the nets, I always improvised on my technique and skills,” said the former National College student.
With good support from the team management and skipper Sudhindra Shinde, Shetty handled the pressure situations with ease. “Our preparations was excellent. All the players supported each other and especially our physio Dr. Vaishali and assistant coach A.R. Mahesh. So we shaped up into a good team,” he explained.
While most youngsters take up the sport at an early age, Shetty wielded the willow only after he turned 18. “In Mangalore, I joined Karavali Cricket Clinic when I turned 18. Ravi Churi was my first coach. He helped me during the early days,” said Shetty.
“Playing many T20 matches helped me understand the format. I’ve been playing club, corporate matches for many years now. During my college days, I represented Bangalore University for two years and also played for South Zone in the All-India Universities tournament.”
Juggling with family, work and cricket, Shetty still dreams of playing higher grade cricket. “If I get an opportunity, I will definitely come back to India. I know there is a lot of competition but I will work hard and continue to play in the KPL and try to make it to the state team,” he signed off.