New Delhi: It is not always simple to make the national squad in India's extremely tough cricket system. Despite outstanding accomplishments on the domestic circuit, many players throughout history have been unable to crack the Indian XI. Sarfaraz Khan, the standout batter for Mumbai who has had outstanding Ranji Trophy performances in recent years, was recently passed over once more for India's next two-Test series against West Indies. Abhimanyu Easwaran is yet another unfortunate loser. However, several players have retired without earning a national cap after waiting their entire careers for an India call-up. Sheldon Jackson, who will turn 37 this year, hasn't given up yet though.
Jackson played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2022 Indian Premier League and put up a strong showing for Saurashtra during the previous season. Jackson has participated in 90 first-class games and 77 List A contests but has yet to receive a call-up from India. He has expressed his disappointment at not being selected for India 'A' last year.
“I have a right to believe and dream that if I have performed for 3 continuous season, I may get picked on the basis of my performances not age, tired of hearing this that I'm a good player and performer but I'm old, I'm 35 not 75,” Jackson had written on his official Twitter profile in August 2022.
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Jackson's spirit hasn't been diminished by the ongoing wait. Jackson claimed in an interview that cricket legends Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni provide him with the inspiration to pursue a career in the sport. Karthik, 37, made a stunning comeback to Team India last year, and Dhoni, 41, led the Chennai Super Kings to a record-tying fifth IPL championship this year.
“I get motivated when I see Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni. I was with him (Karthik) at KKR and I have seen his entire transformation. He is a true inspiration for me and at the stage of my career that I am he is a motivation to me,” Jackson said.
Jackson claimed that if he had not been good enough, he would not have participated in over 100 first-class games and scored at an average of 49 .
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"If you don't get the chance where you will make an impact? I can never comment on anyone's selection. I can only ask about me, that why I have not got picked. I will never call a selector and ask why am I not picked”.
“If I was not good enough, I wouldn't have played 90+ games with an average close to fifty. My red ball stats and white ball stats are two different thing,” he further stated.
This year, Jackson didn't play in the IPL but is expected to turn up for Saurashtra when the domestic season begins.
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