Saurashtra keeper-batsman Sheldon Jackson finally got an IPL game on Saturday for the first time since 2017! Jackson played four matches in 2017 and has been on the bench since.
Now as the opportunity arose against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2022 season opener, Jackson showcased his brilliant work with the gloves behind the stumps.
Despite Sam Billing present in the eleven, KKR asked Jackson to keep the wicket as Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy would be bowling, and keeping to them could prove a difficult task for Billings. But Jackson has immense experience of keeping to spinners in domestic cricket on turning surfaces.
While Jackson was largely impressive with his glovework throughout CSK’s innings, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh made a request to the Saurashtra keeper. Yuvraj suggested Jackson put on a helmet while keeping to the spinners. It was observed that Jackson was wearing only a cap even while being up at the stumps to the spinners.
Yuvraj Singh expressed concern about this, saying that he’s got his chance after a long time and wouldn’t want to hinder his career with an unfortunate injury, especially one which could be avoided by wearing a helmet.
“Dear #SheldonJackson please wear a helmet when u keeping to spinners ! You are a very talented player and have a golden opportunity after a long time be safe !!! And all the best,” Yuvraj Singh tweeted.
In the past even the best of wicket-keepers have suffered fateful injuries: Mark Boucher and Craig Kieswetter sustained deadly eye injuries while keeping during a game that ended their cricket career.
Dear #SheldonJackson please wear a helmet when u keeping to spinners ! You are a very talented player and have a golden opportunity after a long time be safe !!! And all the best #CSKvKKR #IPL2022
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 26, 2022
Sheldon Jackson effected the stumping of Robin Uthappa who was looking in superb nick off the bowling of Varun Chakravarthy. The ball spun sharply down the leg side as Uthappa failed to get the bat on it and overbalanced outside the crease.
Jackson was quick and smooth while collecting the ball despite being interrupted by the batter’s presence, and swiftly dislodged the bails.
Sheldon Jackson stump was amazing!
He reminds me of Dhoni?#IPL pic.twitter.com/mhgt489HYJ— Anuj Dagar???? (@TheAnujDagar) March 26, 2022
His stumping was so rapid that Sachin Tendulkar likened it to the speed of MS Dhoni!!
That was an outstanding stumping. @ShelJackson27’s speed reminded me of @msdhoni.
Lightning fast!!
#CSKvKKR
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 26, 2022
Meanwhile, KKR won the game by 6 wickets, chasing down the below-par target of 132 in 18.3 overs.
