Narayan Jagadeesan, a wicketkeeper-batter, has been on the fringes of the Indian squad for a while, yet he has not managed to break into the playing XI. Despite amassing nearly 4,000 first‑class runs at an average close to 47, he continues to knock on the selectors’ door without securing a regular spot internationally.
He has frequently served as a backup wicketkeeper for the team. In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker, Jagadeesan discussed his experiences of sitting on the bench, waiting patiently for his chance, looking for an IPL opportunity, and the encouragement he has received from head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Excerpts from the interview
You got the maiden call-up, got the visa, and joined the Test squad at the Oval – and then watched Jurel keep the wickets instead. Did anyone explain that decision to you at the time?
“Well, to be honest, I think that decision was pretty straightforward, right? Because I went in as a replacement for Rishabh Pant. And Jurel was already there in the squad as a backup wicketkeeper. So, I think it is only fair if he had played that game, to be honest.
“Obviously, I would have been very happy if I had played the game. But Jurel was already there with the test team. When Rishabh Pant got injured, it was Jurel up the ladder. And then came me. So, it was not a surprise to me. But I was very keen, and I was just trying to be in the present and soak in the feelings. And it was a very special moment.”
Three straight IPL auctions, no bids. Is that a signal from the league that you need to change something about your game?
“Definitely, I think. Well, it is very important for me to change my game as well in terms of the way I approach the game. Not in terms of my technical ability. In terms of the mindset that I have. Because, you know, nowadays in T20 cricket, we see that there is a lot of sixes being hit.
“And we see a lot of aggressive intent right from ball one. And that was something which I personally felt was lacking a year or two back. And I have definitely worked a lot with Robin Uthappa. And he has been with me. He has mentored me for the past almost three years. And I have changed a lot in my game. And I feel I am a lot more secured as a T20 cricketer now.”
Gautam Gambhir was the head coach during your Test call-up. Did he give you any personal advice or guidance during that time?
“I think he was of big support to me, to be honest. Because he was asking me. He was actually the first one who greeted me when I saw the Indian team come. We were actually on our way to the consulate. And it was GG sir who actually met me first. And he spoke to me. And he was asking me about my league season and stuff. And he definitely did support me.
“He was very intrigued to know how it was for me personally with KKR team and so many other things. And he was asking me about my batting and stuff. So, definitely, it was a lot of support. In terms of just the way he spoke to me, it gave me a lot of security.”