Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman N. Jagadeesan made his Duleep Trophy debut for India-B in the second-round match against India-C at the Rural Development Trust (RDT) Stadium B-ground in Anantapur. It was his first-ever first-class match outside the Ranji Trophy.
Jagadeesan, who was part of the South Zone squad that won the title last season, had not played in the first round of the ongoing edition. He expressed his excitement about making his debut, saying, “I was very elated about it because you always wanted to be a part of a Duleep Trophy side.”
Despite feeling nervous initially, Jagadeesan overcame his debut jitters and played his natural game. “I was feeling a bit nervous in the beginning, but the moment I got to know nine wickets had fallen (for India-C) and probably I’d be batting soon, I think I was just focused a lot more on my batting,” he said.
Jagadeesan looked set to score his maiden Duleep Trophy century, but he was caught behind off Anshul Kamboj on 70 (137b, 8×4). While he was disappointed, he took away the positive of overcoming his debut nerves.
Jagadeesan also highlighted a unique feature of the ongoing 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 close quarters, you get to learn a lot.”
The Duleep Trophy is a prestigious first-class cricket tournament in India, and Jagadeesan’s debut marks a significant milestone in his career. He will be hoping to continue his good form and help India-B progress in the tournament.
