Playing for Assam was the turning point: Dheeraj Jadhav

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Undoubtedly he was the most successful outstation player who turned up for Assam in Ranji Trophy. Dheeraj Jadhav, the left handed opener who also led Assam, admitted that playing for Assam was the turning point of his cricketing career. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Assam played a big role in your long-lasting career. Do you feel Assam is your second home?

Dheeraj: Off Course. I had spent a long period of time in Assam and played for them. During that time I came in touch with many things like the culture of Assam, its food etc. Many members of my friends list are belonging to Assam.

TS: How did you come in touch with Assam cricket?

Dheeraj: Actually I was in England when I first met Gautam Roy, the then president of the Assam Cricket Association. During the conversation the development occurred and I arrived in Guwahati to play for Assam in Ranji Trophy. I have no hesitation to say that playing for Assam was a good decision and it was also the turning point of my cricketing career.

TS: What was your first impression of Assam cricket when you joined the team?

Dheeraj: There were many promising cricketers like Abu, Gokul, Arup, Tarjinder in that team. They were truly team-men and down to the earth persons. Their attitude towards the senior players and cricket was also very good.

TS: Tell us a few memorable knocks that you played for Assam.

Dheeraj: All big knocks that I played for Assam are very special for me. However, most satisfying one was the double ton (243) against Tripura. (Dhiraj, who was then captain, played the knock in 2012 in Guwahati).

TS: In the longer version of cricket the batting of Assam is always an area of concern. Your reaction!

Dheeraj: I feel there are two factors behind it - lack of proper technique and temperament. I also feel there should be some more local tournaments.

TS: Any unfulfilled goal!

Dheeraj: I am very much satisfied with my career. I played first class cricket for Maharashtra and Assam. I couldn't make it into the playing XI in Test Cricket but I feel that I was capable to play the highest level of cricket too. 

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