'I am someone who would blindly trust Mike Hussey' - N Jagadeesan opens up on relationship with CSK coach

Narayan Jagadeesan has had an outstanding career with the bat in all forms, and Kolkata Knight Riders just purchased him at the IPL 2023 mini-auction in Kochi as a reward for his reliability in the domestic circuit. At the auction, Chennai Super Kings bid for Jagadeesan alongside KKR, but the latter eventually roped him in for INR 90 lakh.

CSK did not put in much effort for Jagadeesan at the auction this year. CSK pulled out of the bidding after the bidding amount reached a level and let go off the wicketkeeper, who had been a part of their squad from 2018 to 2022. Even though there wasn't much playing time, the 27-year-old established a friendship with CSK's assistant coach Michael Hussey, that will last a lifetime.

Jagadeesan found a genuine supporter in former Australian star Mike Hussey, who still keeps in touch with him. Jagadeesan, who is currently representing Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, spoke to the media ahead of the fixture against Delhi and opened up about his bond with Hussey.

“When I was in the CSK dugout, I was having a lot of conversations with Mike Hussey and he is someone I have idolised for a very long time. Working with him… you know he had a lot of conversations with me. Even when I am not part of the IPL and domestic season is on, he is always in touch with me. He talks to me well,” Jagadeesan was quoted by News18.

I know for a fact that he is a well-wisher for me and wants me to do well: Jagadeesan

Jagadeesan, during his four seasons with CSK, got to play in only seven games, and he managed to score 73 runs in those fixtures. Moving to a new franchise, he would be hoping to get more game time, given his recent heroics in the white-ball format. The right-hander missed out on playing time for four years, but his interactions with Hussey off the field remain treasured.

“The bond with Mike Hussey is exceptionally good. We have always been on the same page and I am someone who would blindly trust Mike Hussey because I know for a fact that he is a well-wisher for me and he wants me to do well. No matter if I was playing in the CSK team or not, he always had time to come and speak with me. Give me a lot of tips,” Jagadeesan added.

Notching up five centuries and 830 runs overall in eight matches at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Jagadeesan was the standout player of the tournament, scoring runs aplenty and shattering numerous records. The consistency was excellent, and "Mr. Cricket" Hussey's compliment added even more charm. The 27-year-old had a glint in his eye as he recalled their conversations and claimed that he still is a "big motivating factor" in his life.

“It’s not about talking very technical terms, it’s just telling you ‘well done mate’. If that comes from stature of Mike Hussey, that’s definitely a big note for me. I get goosebumps when I talk about that. I mean he is too big a person and too big a cricketer. When he tells me I have done something good, when he tells me ‘you have done well’, ‘your scores have been pretty good’, it’s definitely a big motivating factor. When he sees me in person, looks at my batting then he gives me technical advice as well,” he added.