NEW DELHI: When Oman steps out for their maiden Asia Cup game against Pakistan in Dubai on September 12, experienced batter Jatinder Singh will carry not just the responsibility of leading the team, but also implement the lessons taken from interacting with young Indian left-handed batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.
During last year’s Emerging Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Muscat, Jatinder had the chance to spend a lot of time with Abhishek and Tilak, who were with the India ‘A’ team. “The best thing about them was that they talked about not taking anything for granted when stepping on the field. Like Abhishek said, ‘For me, every day is a new day. I always challenge myself, no matter who the opposition is. I just have to do well for my country. That is the biggest pride I carry when I put the jersey on.”
“So, that stayed with me the moment he said this thing. In spite of being such a talented guy, Abhishek paaji does not take things for granted. Even Tilak paaji was the same, as he said, ‘For me, the moment I step onto the field, I have to give everything to my country’. The hunger to do well for the country itself was seen on his face and eyes, ” recalled Jatinder in an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by Sportcell.
There was also some chat in Punjabi with left-handed batter Nehal Wadhera, who happens to live close to Jatinder’s house in Ludhiana, Punjab. But hearing those insightful words from Abhishek and Tilak struck a chord with Jatinder, who also took notes on technical and practice aspects.
“They were happy in sharing the technical insights, thoughts, what are the things they practice, and how they keep themselves cool. So, those are the small, small things which really helped me.”
“Cricket is such a game, no matter if you are at the age of 60, or whatever you have achieved, whatever you have done, it's a learning every day. You can't be perfect in this. So, you have to be open to learning everything.”
As Oman prepare for playing in an Asia Cup for the first time, Jatinder is well aware of the magnitude of the occasion. Since making their first T20 World Cup appearance in 2016, Oman has played two more appearances in the competition.
But with the Asian Cricket Council expanding pool from six to eight teams, it meant Oman finally made the cut and will get an additional chance to rub shoulders with other Asian heavyweights like India and Pakistan, due to being slotted in Group A alongside the UAE.
“Yes, it's a proud moment for Oman. We have worked really hard to reach here, and we are all ready to compete. We have been playing these tournaments regularly. Moreover, credit goes to coach Duleep Mendis for the way he has shaped our careers and brought in a lot of discipline into the side.”
“We have a clear goal and mindset that we are going to respect the opposition, but play fearless cricket and back our skills. At least, we will come to know where we stand in world cricket when we rub shoulders with the full members because they have better insights into the game.”
“The big teams know exactly how to take the team past a rut and go through the grind. So, it is a great opportunity for an associate nation like Oman to learn and see them closely, watch how they train and work on their mind. In all, for us, it's a big, big opportunity, ” he said.