‘I want to make my mark in all three formats of the game’

In Bangalore for All India u-25 camp,the 22-year-old Jiwanjot spoke to Sportline about how he doesn’t want to be tagged just a longer-version player,on missing out on opportunities and chances despite sparkling performances,and how he is looking at the season ahead as a new beginning.

Excerpts:

*You emerged as the highest scorer in the last Ranji Trophy season. How will you prepare yourself for the upcoming season as compared to last year?

Frankly speaking I am not thinking much about the domestic season. Right now my focus is to deliver and learn in the ongoing India U-25 camp. We will be travelling to Mysore shortly and train hard there. Apart from me,Sandeep Sharma and Taruwar Kohli are also in the camp from Punjab. When the camp ends,my focus will shift to the next assignment.

*While most of the domestic cricketers were busy in IPL playing for different teams,how did you use your time back in Patiala ?

I had hurt my back,so in order to get fit,I took care of my back and went into rehab. I used the time and worked on my back and fitness. Thankfully,I am feeling fit and energetic.

*When experts say that Jiwanjot Singh has the calibre to become a Test cricketer but he might not be suitable for ODI or T-20 version,how do you react? Are you fine with this tag?

It is objectionable. I mean,I don’t see any reason why I am not suitable for the shorter versions of the game. I am raring to showcase my abilities as a complete cricketer whenever I get the chance. I have been working on hitting the ball out of the ground and other aspects of scoring runs at brisk rate by practicing with tennis and plastic balls. The India A team will travel to South Africa for a tour,and I am eyeing a spot in the team.

*How different is this Jiwanjot Singh as compared to last season’s opener who made his Ranji debut and was a new comer ?

That season got over long time back. It is time to take a fresh guard and make a mark again. I do not think much about the past. I need to establish my credentials again and work even more harder. Although,after facing good bowlers and sharing dressing room with experienced cricketers has raised my confidence level.

*How helpful was your father and coach Maheshinder Singh’s guidance during the time you were not given a chance to represent in the ODI as well as T20 tournaments despite scoring plenty of runs in the Ranji Trophy?

They have been my strength. I was disappointed not to have played in such tournaments for Punjab. But then,my father and Mahesh sir made my realise that I still have a long way to go; and I should not think about these things and rather improve the standard of my game.

*When you look back at your debut Ranji season,do you get a feeling that you did not get as many chances as you should have being the highest scorer in the Ranji Trophy ?

Yes,of course,I should have got more chances. That would have helped me established myself more. But then we should not dwell in the past and think about the present. I am sure I will get a lot of chances if I continue to play well for Punjab at the senior level.

*What will be your approach and motto this season?

My approach will be the same as before. I would work on my game and aim to deliver the goods for Punjab. We reached the semis in the Ranji Trophy last season. It would be great to win the title and also score heavily. I want to be known as the cricketer who could play in all formats.