Tamil Nadu’s wicketkeeper-batter and opener, N. Jagadeesan, marked his debut in the Duleep Trophy, representing India-B in the second-round match against India-C at the Rural Development Trust (RDT) Stadium B-ground on Thursday. This was his first First-Class match beyond the Ranji Trophy, a significant milestone in his career.
Jagadeesan, a member of the South Zone squad that claimed the Duleep Trophy title last season, was eager to participate in the tournament. Though he didn’t get to play in the first round, his debut was a moment he had eagerly anticipated. “It was definitely a very good feeling,” Jagadeesan said over phone on Sunday. “It’s because you would always want to be a part of a Duleep Trophy side. Last year, when I was there with my squad, we went on to win the tournament. From that moment onwards, I always thought that next time I should also make my debut. And when I got to know that I’ll be playing, I obviously was very elated about it. I was very eager to go out and just enjoy the game.”
He added, “I didn’t have the experience of playing any other First Class game. It was just the Ranji Trophy, which I played for Tamil Nadu. So, for the first time when I stepped onto the field, it felt good. It was a different experience. Because, personally, I knew that it was something I was doing for the first time outside of Tamil Nadu cricket.”
Jagadeesan showcased his abilities, nearing a maiden Duleep Trophy century before being caught behind off Anshul Kamboj for 70 runs. While he expressed disappointment, he highlighted the personal victory of overcoming debut nerves and playing his natural game.
He shared, “To be honest, I was feeling a bit nervous in the beginning. It was during my keeping. But the moment I got to know nine wickets had fallen (of the opposition) and probably I’d be batting soon, I think I was just focused a lot more on my batting. I was just thinking of all the (batting) routines that I do. Once I started thinking that, I wasn’t nervous at all.”
“The moment I stepped down to the boundary line with my pads on, I just told myself one thing: ‘You don’t have to worry about anything. You’ve always wanted to make your debut. You’ve made your debut. Now, just go and enjoy yourself out there.’ And after playing the first ball, I just felt I was very confident.”
Jagadeesan also observed a remarkable feature of this Duleep Trophy edition, “We have seen a lot of Duleep Trophies, and I think this Duleep Trophy has seen a lot of international players playing the games. Playing with them in such close quarters, you get to learn a lot.” This exposure to seasoned international players provides valuable learning opportunities for emerging talents like Jagadeesan, offering a glimpse into the high standards and strategies of elite cricketers.
