'I hope I can do well' - Sheldon Jackson quits Saurashtra to play for Puducherry in the next season

Sheldon Jackson, who was a part of the Saurashtra squad in the previous Ranji Trophy season, has announced that he is set to join Puducherry for the upcoming domestic season. Jackson, who had mustered 809 runs in 10 matches in the previous season, had played a crucial role in Saurasthra’s Ranji title heist. He also boasted a staggering average of 50.56 in the last season.

33-year-old Jackson, who has plied his trade for KKR and RCB in the IPL, had smashed a ton in the semi-final of Ranji Trophy 2019-20, steering Saurashtra to the final where they defeated Bengal to clinch the title. In 76 First-class matches, Jackson has scored 5634 runs at an impressive average of 49.42, including 19 tons and 27 half-centuries.

“I am shifting professionally this season from Saurashtra to Puducherry. I hope I can do well and take Puducherry to the next level,” said Jackson to CricTracker about his move to change his side.

Along with being an excellent fielder and a reliable batsman, Jackson is also useful with his glovework behind the stumps. He was a valuable asset for Saurashtra after joining them in 2011. Jackson also got the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SCA to play domestic cricket from other associations.

This has been one of the hardest decisions: Sheldon Jackson

While stating Jackson’s ‘one of the hardest’ decisions, Saurashtra Cricket Association shared a press release mentioning the right-hander’s wish to move on and play as a professional in some other team.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions that I had to make and it’s not been easy for me but I feel it the right time for me to move on and play as a professional in some other team or state,” stated the SCA release.

“The journey so far has been fantastic and I am thankful to everyone at Saurashtra Cricket Association for standing by my side in my good and bad times,” mentioned Jackson.

Acknowledging Jackson’s contribution to Saurashtra, the SCA president lauded him and wished him luck for his future endeavours. “Sheldon Jackson has been an outstanding Cricketer and great human being. I sincerely wish him all the very best,” SCA President Jaydev Shah said.