After consecutive, successful Ranji Trophy seasons, Jiwanjot Singh has secured a berth in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy starting next week in Bengalore. Jiwanjot, who received the BCCI’s Madhavrao Scindia award for topping the run-charts (995 runs in 10 matches) during the 2012-13 Ranji season, is said to be the among the most technically sound young batsmen. The 23-year-old talks to The Indian Express about the the Irani Trophy and wants to do well in the shorter formats. Excerpts: Almost 1,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy season, followed by this call-up. Did you see this opportunity coming your way? * It is wonderful to have been rewarded by the selectors after the season i’ve had. It is my first ROI team call-up, I want to make it count and leave a mark. I would like to continue the good form in the Irani Trophy. It is a big opportunity and I need to deliver if I want to reach the top. How would you describe this Ranji season as an opening batsman? How different was it from the last season? * I was a debutant last season, so I was nervous and did not experiment. After scoring nearly 1000 runs last year, I gained lot of confidence for this season. Because I was not taking part in the IPL, I had time to make a few adjustments to my technique. I worked hard on developing my shots and it worked well. I did not score big in the first three matches and was a little disappointed. After I struck a double-hundred against Vidarbha though, I regained confidence, started playing shots all over and scored big runs. How close are you to making it to the India Test team? * I don’t know how close I am to a national call-up but I know consistent performances will secure a berth in the India team. It is every cricketer’s dream to play for India and I too want it to happen. The Rest of India team also has Gautam Gambhir, another opener, who is also striving hard to make his case for a comeback to the India team. How do you see yourself competing with him? * Gautam Gambhir is a phenomenal cricketer. I admire his technique and attitude. There is no competition as such. I am not thinking of any competition. My job is to do well and make an impression. During a three-day match against the visiting Australian team last year, I had the chance to bat with Gautam bhai. He told me lot about batting at the top. Last season, you were not included in Punjab’s ODI and T20 teams, despite being the highest scorer in the longer format. Your strike rate has been very good this time. Do you wish to play in the shorter formats? * I have not got chances to showcase my skills in the ODI and T20 formats. I think I can be a useful batsman in all the formats. I want to perform and prove my worth. Have you got any IPL offer yet ? Do you think getting a platform like IPL is important to grab the attention of national selectors? * I have not got any IPL offer yet. It has become a world-wide phenomenon and is a great platform for young cricketers. They get recognition, adulation and are also noted by national selectors.
