CHENNAI: Riding high on three successive half-centuries in Tamil Nadu's Deodhar Trophy triumph, N Jagadeesan attended Royal Challengers Bangalore's trials on Sunday. The franchise is seeking a replacement for injured India star KL Rahul.
Jagadeesan was asked to face RCB's costliest buy this year, English pacer Tymal Mills, as well as veteran Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. Asked if he felt nervous, the 21-year-old said, “I didn't want to put unnecessary pressure on myself. I just wanted to express myself. I think I did well. Team officials told me they will get in touch if anything materialises,” he told Express. Incidentally, he already had trials with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils after the Ranji season.
Having a try-out with RCB meant a lot to Jagadeesan, as the franchise has his favourite player Virat Kohli in their ranks. “I like his aggression and how he dominates bowlers. He is my role model. It feels nice to be called for trials. It shows that my performance has been noticed and that I'm in and around where I need to be.”
The Coimbatore player made his breakthrough during the Tamil Nadu Premier League last year. Playing for Dindigul Dragons, Jagadeesan was the highest scorer with 397 runs in eight outings at a strike rate of 120.66. This led to a call-up to the state team. “I credit TNPL for my rise. It was the first time that I played under lights with a large crowd watching. It brought me to the limelight.”
He made Ranji Trophy debut against Madhya Pradesh in Cuttack, hitting a century coming into bat at No 7. He played four matches in all. “When (coach) Hrishikesh Kanitkar gave me my cap, it was the most memorable moment for me. I was glad I could repay the faith. My plan is to keep working hard and improve as a player.”
Washington Sundar, part of Tamil Nadu's twin title wins in the last two months, was called up for a trial with Rising Pune Supergiant on Sunday. RPS are searching for a replacement for off-spinner R Ashwin.
Washington has seven wickets in nine List A matches at an economy of 3.93 runs per over. He was part of the Indian team that finished runners-up in the 2016 U-19 World Cup. He had earlier attended trials at Mumbai Indians.