IPL and International cricket can be grueling; we already know that. But do you know what is tougher? Navigating the relentless grind of Indian domestic cricket, where the stakes are high, and recognition is often elusive. Sheldon Jackson is one of the few who has survived this battle and thrived in this challenging environment.
So, when we had the chance to sit down with him and explore his journey, we jumped at the opportunity. From his early days to his experiences in the IPL and the wisdom he’s gained along the way, Sheldon shared it all. So, without wasting more time, let’s dive into his story.
How it all started
Hailing from the small town of Bhavnagar, Sheldon has been a stalwart for Saurashtra in domestic cricket. He has made valuable contributions to the team’s performance, which have been reflected in Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy Triumphs in recent years.
Things were not always the same for him, though. During his childhood, cricket was just an escape for Sheldon. As a young boy who struggled academically, cricket allowed him to channel his energy and focus. “I was never good at studies,” Sheldon recalls, “so cricket was like an escape for me.” His early days on the field were driven more by an instinctive love for the game than by any grand ambition.
His moment of realization occurred in the final year of his Under-19 career when he emerged as one of the highest run-scorers but was still overlooked by the selectors for the upcoming World Cup. That is when Sheldon vowed to pursue cricket with a newfound seriousness.
From that moment on, he dedicated himself to becoming a professional cricketer, a decision that has shaped his entire career.
Challenges in Domestic Cricket
Sheldon’s path in domestic cricket has been anything but smooth. Despite being a prolific player across different tournaments, he often encountered tough challenges.
Talking about the challenges, he said, “India has the hardest domestic cricket in the entire world.” Further enumerating the point, he explains that India is a geographically varied country where no two venues are similar.
For example, one can be playing a game in Delhi’s peak winters, when the temperature drops to 5-9 degrees, and only a few days later, a trail in the scorching heat of Chennai awaits them. Hence, coping with this drastic change in weather and playing conditions is one of the biggest challenges for any Indian cricketer.
These challenges made him realize the importance of process over the results, and this mindset helped him navigate the ups and downs of his career. With his unwavering commitment to do the small things right, he kept performing at the highest level.
On Injuries and Insecurities
Injuries are an inevitable part of any athlete’s career, but for Sheldon, it wasn’t just the physical setbacks that tested him—the mental battle that followed. During one crucial match, a torn hamstring ended his season prematurely, cutting short what could have been another prolific run.
“No matter how fit you are, one wrong movement can result in injury,” Sheldon admits. But what truly weighed on him was the insecurity of losing his place in the team.
In the fiercely competitive world of cricket, an injury doesn’t just mean time away from the game; it means watching someone else take your spot. Fortunately for Sheldon, his coach at the time, Sitanshu Kotak, believed in his abilities and ensured he wouldn’t have to fight to regain his place. This faith, coupled with Sheldon’s resilience, helped him bounce back stronger.
IPL: an experience of a lifetime
IPL is one of the most significant leagues in the world, and playing in it is every cricketer’s dream. However, only a few get to fulfill that dream, and Sheldon Jackson is one of them. He was lucky enough to represent two different franchises in his brief stint.
He first joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru when Virat Kohli became the captain. “IPL is a different beast altogether,” Sheldon says, reflecting on the intensity and pressure of the tournament.
His key takeaway from his time with the two teams was that skills are not enough to become a part of this kind of league. “You just can’t show up in the IPL; you have to go prepared mentally,” Sheldon announces his verdict. He added that the franchise will be there to help you to get better in every way. “But at the end of the day, it is your responsibility to show up well prepared. Otherwise, others will eat you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Despite his struggles, he acknowledges that it was a life-changing experience. His time with Kolkata Knight Riders, under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, left a lasting impact on him. Sheldon credits Gambhir for teaching him the importance of team over individual performance, a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career. The experience of playing alongside and under such driven leaders has been invaluable, shaping Sheldon’s approach to the game.
Advice for the next generation
“Be selfish and work on yourself!” is Sheldon’s biggest advice for the next generation. While cricket is undeniably a team sport, Sheldon emphasizes the importance of individual performance.
“Personal performance is the only thing that will get you backed by your team,” he adds. His words might seem harsh, but they come from years of experience in a competitive environment where only the best survive. He has played and performed in the toughest domestic cricket in the world to reach this conclusion; hence, one can surely follow his advice with blindfolds.
Sheldon Jackson’s contributions to Saurashtra and Indian domestic cricket are undeniably significant. The journey from Bhavnagar to becoming a pillar of Saurashtra’s cricketing success is a testament to his perseverance, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game.
In First-Class cricket, he has played 98 matches, amassing 6,949 runs at an impressive average of 46.95, including 21 centuries and 37 half-centuries, with a highest score of 186. In List A cricket, Sheldon has scored 2,654 runs in 81 matches, with 9 centuries and 13 half-centuries, maintaining an average of 36.35. His prowess extends to T20s as well, where he has accumulated 1,812 runs in 84 matches, including a century and 11 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 120.07.
At 37, his continued presence in the game inspires young cricketers, acting as a reminder that success isn’t solely defined by grand moments but by accumulating countless small victories. Sheldon’s career is a living example of the belief that dedication and hard work can overcome any challenge.
His journey, filled with invaluable experience, offers profound wisdom for aspiring cricketers. By following his lead and embracing his advice, young players can cultivate the mental fortitude and skillset essential for a long and successful cricketing career.
