Sheldon Jackson had been through a trough during the Ranji Trophy 2014-15. For a batsman who had enjoyed being consistent for some time, this was a disappointing phase, but he focused on overcoming the challenge and is back amongst runs. “Ups and downs are going to come, but it is about how your mind is in place,” he says. Jackson bounced back with a century against Jammu and Kashmir in the last league game of the Ranji Trophy and followed it up with two more hundreds to begin the Vijay Hazare Trophy (one-day tournament). “I was working hard but not getting the runs. I was going through all the processes. I spoke to certain players about what was happening. Even they advised me to go through the processes and that the runs will come,” he elaborates. Jackson scripted one of the most eye-catching knocks of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Saurashtra’s match against Goa. Chasing 200 runs to win, he knocked off 150 (in only 103 balls) of those by himself. That effort helped Saurashtra win by 10 wickets. It was one of those days when a batsman is in the zone and feels a sense of tranquillity in the middle. “I automatically started timing the ball well. That’s how I carried on playing my shots and God was kind,” he says. That innings was in contrast with his century in the opening game against Madhya Pradesh, where his 111 helped setup the platform for a big score. Saurashtra were 53 for three when Ravindra Jadeja joined Jackson in the middle. Their 135-run stand rescued Saurashtra before a blitz took them past 300. In Jadeja, Jackson found an ideal partner who advised him to be patient and calm. “At the time, pressure was there as we had lost three quick wickets. He (Jadeja) controlled the game very well from there. He paced his innings and with that, it also paced my innings. When you bat with him and get valuable inputs from him, you should listen to him,” Jackson explains. With Saurashtra playing most of their games without the solidity of Cheteshwar Pujara and Jadeja, Jackson has had to take over the mantle of being Saurashtra’s dependable batsman. With him being back amongst runs, his team can hope he extends the run to benefit them in more crucial outings that lie ahead. Armed with the experience of playing for India ‘A ‘this year, Jackson is a more confident player, determined to serve his side well. Omkar Mohite’s consistent bowling reaps rewards for Maharashtra Under-16s On the numerous maidans across India, you would come across some of the most heartening stories of human spirit in the face of adversity. Maharashtra Under-16 spinner, Omkar Mohite’s tale is one such heart-warming saga. Coming from a small town in interior Maharashtra called Ichalkaranji, Mohite hails from a modest background. His father makes sharbats and cold drinks to earn a living. In the ongoing Vijay Merchant Trophy, he has given his family great joy by delivering good performances. Against Mumbai under-16s, he toiled for 45.4 overs and took five wickets for 104 runs. Then, against Baroda U-16s, he took seven for 33 to help restrict the opposition. Jaideep Narse, the former Maharashtra player, is now looking after their U-16 side. Narse has words of praise for Mohite. “He has got good variations and can turn the ball. The way he uses his crease and the loop are his biggest strengths. I would describe him as a gutsy player and a handy batsman. He is also a very safe fielder,” Narse says. Narse says that the young spinner is receptive and abides by the strategies charted out for him. His recent success is not only proof of his cricketing acumen but also his tireless temperament. Mohite came through the ranks in age group cricket, through tournaments conducted by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). It was impossible to ignore the young lad as he delivered consistent performances. He has played successfully for Maharashtra U-16s for two seasons. In 2014, he picked up a six-wicket haul on debut. During the most recent off-season, he also attended a zonal camp to hone and improve his skills. Narse is grateful to the MCA for organising tournaments that help unearth such players. “I really thank the association for finding players from the smaller towns,” he says. Zaheer Khan inaugurates Shivaji Park Gymkhana Cricket Academy Former India fast bowler, Zaheer Khan inaugurated the Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) Cricket Academy in Mumbai. The academy will cater to the Under-14 and Under-16 categories. The fact that cricketer of Zaheer’s stature inaugurated it presents an auspicious start for the academy. Pravin Amre, the former India batsman, who is now one of the most reputed coaches in the country, is the president of the SPG and was in attendance when Zaheer flagged off the institution. What makes SPG’s initiative all the more special is that it is situated in Shivaji Park, one of the most famous playgrounds in Mumbai, which has produced some of the best players who have represented the city and the country. The academy also has India selector Sandeep Patil on board as an advisor. Many young cricketers flock to Shivaji Park with dreams of making it big in cricket. When reputed personnel come together for a noble cause on such a hallowed turf, the young are destined to benefit. Jadhav’s back-to-back centuries infuse life into Maharashtra’s domestic season There are players whose performances are infectious for they instill confidence in the side. When Kedar Jadhav comes good, the Maharashtra camp automatically feels better and up for the challenge. Following a disappointing Ranji Trophy campaign, Maharashtra’s spirits have been lifted with three successive victories to begin the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With centuries against Tripura and Andhra, Jadhav has been instrumental in the team’s fortunes. He plays with that free-flowing dash of aggression, yet mindful of the situation. Although there is panache in his strokeplay, there is also reassurance and dependability which inspires confidence. Earlier this year, Jadhav had donned the blue jersey during the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe. In the third game of that series, he managed a century. However, it hasn’t been an easy road for him since then, but the two latest centuries will help him focus on the coveted cap yet again. Against Tripura, he was his usual aggressive self, carting 131 off 90 balls in a 111-run victory. Andhra presented a stiffer challenge as Maharashtra were reduced to 17 for four inside seven overs when Jadhav walked in. By the time he was dismissed for 101, Maharashtra were out of danger and had set their eyes on victory. He is leading Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the responsibility seems to have brought out the best in him.