Second innings for returning rebel

Rajamani Jesuraj isnt a big name,but even if he doesnt achieve all that he has set out to,the 26-year old will hold the distinction of becoming...

Rajamani Jesuraj isnt a big name,but even if he doesnt achieve all that he has set out to,the 26-year old will hold the distinction of becoming the first ICL player to complete his comeback to the official fold. Jesuraj,who played for the Chennai Superstars in the rebel league,was picked in the 15-member Tamil Nadu squad for the KSCA Trophy that was announced on Monday.

I am really happy to be back in the state team. It feels like I am marking my run-up in the second innings. The only thing I have in mind is to justify the confidence the state has shown in me, Jesuraj told The Indian Express on Tuesday.

I was pleasantly surprised to see my name in the list, Jesuraj said,adding that he was flattered at the call-up considering bigger names such as Hemang Badani and S Sriram continue to be ignored. I guess Tamil Nadu right now need fast bowlers more than batsmen. Also,they could be investing in the future,and I have a few good years left in me.

For me,this is just the first step,I want to see my name again when the Ranji Trophy starts.

A right-arm pacer with a deceptively quick bouncer one that has troubled the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh Jesuraj had hit the domestic circuit running,picking up 18 wickets in his first three games. He has played only 15 first class matches,but is amongst the quickest to reach 50 wickets in domestic cricket.

I have had my share of experiences; I took some good decisions and some bad ones. I had a great start to my career but I was dropped from the side for three matches. I was miffed and I instinctively decided to join the ICL because it had great money and good international players.

But T20 cricket is very different to days cricket and Im happy to playing the longer format all over again.

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How he decided to become a bowler,and a fast bowler at that,is interesting. Growing up in the remote Thiruvalluvar district in Tamil Nadu,he picked up the tennis ball and hurled it with all his might to impress local boys to get picked for the street matches. As the youngest sibling among four brothers and a sister,Jesuraj also had the responsibility of running the expenses. Fast bowling,he says,helped vent his frustrations.

I took up bowling because it was the cheaper option,and had no choice but to bowl quick because that was the only way to get into the local side. I was lucky to get absorbed by Chemplast on a scholarship and that took care of me and my family expenses.

The ICL,he admits,was a detour that could prove costly. I have lost some time in my career. I know I have to work my way up again but I am determined to make a mark.