It will be great to play in Shah Rukh’s team: Ishank Jaggi

Ishank
Ishank Jaggi will play for KKR in the IPL Season 10. Image Source: twitter

Kolkata: Ishank Jaggi, the Jharkhand cricketer who is in the town to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy showed some hilarious performance in the recently concluded Mushtaq Ali Inter Zonal T-20 Trophy. He had three half-centuries in four games which included knocks of 51*, 90 and 56 with a healthy strike rate of above 150 and guided East Zone to a Trophy with an all win record. xtratime.in caught him up exclusively with few questions on his recent form and a new IPL contract with KKR.

Following are the conversation:

XT: How was it going through you when u were without a IPL contract for the last 4 yrs?

Ishank: I was not at all thinking of any such thing. I only had one thing in mind and that is to score runs in domestic level. I am fortunate to KKR team management that they have shown the trust in me and I will try to keep their faith.

XT:  As your name was not there primarily in the auction list but your recent performances earned you a place in the auction. So how were u feeling on that very day?

Ishank: It was really a surprise u know. But my family informed me of my name being shortlisted in the final hour.I was happy. It was a big day for me. All my hard work paid off on that day when I was enlisted in the auction. I was confident enough of a contract with any of the franchise as I consistently performing in all forms of cricket. Now it’s up to me to grab the opportunity with both hands and win matches for KKR.

XT: Did u have a chance to speak with KKR team management like captain Gambhir or CEO Venky Mysore?

Ishank: I had a chat with them on the day of auction. I liked the way they welcomed me and trusted on my ability and I will try to be consistent in IPL cricket from this season.

XT:  How is it like sharing dressing room with legendary cricketer like MS Dhoni?

Ishank: It’s a great advantage and a learning process for junior cricketers like us. I try to learn a lot from Dhoni bhai. During my IPL tenure I will also get advice from Gauti bhai and from other support staffs. It will help me grow as a cricketer.

XT: Apart from cricket how do u spend time with Dhoni and how is he towards the Jharkhand boys?

Ishank: Dhoni bhai is very free to us. He cracks jokes, plays FIFA and other games. He comes to our rooms to share his ideas with us. He does not carry the stardom with him. Dhoni bhai is very down to earth and encourages young talents very well.

XT: How does Dhoni advise u on your game plan and technique?

Ishank: He helps me a lot. Previously my game was defensive but after sharing the dressing room with Dhoni bhai he asked me to change my style to survive in the international standard. He advised me on my body movement and positioning. I myself tried to improvise on my technical by watching a lot of AB de villiers on tv. The way he takes his stance and gets through the ball, I always try to follow that.

XT: U are talking about dhoni as well as improvising on ABD technique by watching on tv. Dont u find it difficult?

Ishank: See every team has their own video analyst. So i discuss with him after every game. My technique and style has not changed in a fortnight. It has taken almost two years for me to work on it and then improvise. My family has backed me a lot especially my father and this has supported me a lot.

XT: This year KKR will play two matches against RCB. Is there any wish to meet ABD?

Ishank: Why not? Who does not want to meet one of the worlds best batsman of the modern times. He is my favourite. Obviously I will talk on cricketing skills and how to improve my batting if I get a chance to meet the legend.

XT: Is there any wish of meeting SRK. What will u say when u meet SRK?

Ishank: I will be on the moon if I meet him again. I have met him once when I was with Deccan Chargers but could not speak with him freely. As u all know SRK sir supports sportsmen a lot. So It will be a great opportunity for me. This time I will be more open to speak to SRK sir.

XT: Which SRK movie is your favourite?

Ishank: Obviously Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. It is an evergreen movie. Who does not like DDLJ? I watch his every movie. Not missed a single one. I watched Raees on the first day first show. I am a big fan of SRK sir.

XT: U have a scored a lot of runs in Eden Gardens. So getting a bit of confidence playing almost 7 matches here?

Ishank: Obviously after Jharkhand, Eden is my second home. I am well known to this ground and scored a lot of runs here. I would want to carry on the good form.

XT: Last question, how does Dhoni motivate u personally?

Ishank: He has asked me to stay calm on the wicket. Previously I used to be restless on the pitch and moved a lot on the pitch. But now I don’t do that. Now I try to play on my merit and wait for the bad balls to be hit. But my nature always remains aggressive during batting.