Saurashtra’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, Sheldon Jackson, has officially announced his retirement from white-ball cricket. At 38 years old, Jackson has decided to focus solely on red-ball cricket, leaving behind a remarkable career in both List A and T20 formats. The announcement was made during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
Highlights of Sheldon Jackson’s Career
| Format | Matches | Runs | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List A | 86 | 2,792 | 9 | 14 | 36.25 |
| T20 | 84 | 1,812 | 1 | 11 | 27.45 |
| First-Class | 103 | 7,187 | 21 | 39 | 46.36 |
A Glorious White-Ball Career
- List A Cricket:
Jackson debuted in 2006 and amassed 2,792 runs in 86 matches, including 9 centuries and 14 fifties. His standout performance came during the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy final, where he scored an unbeaten 133 runs off 136 balls, guiding Saurashtra to victory. - T20 Cricket:
Jackson played 84 T20 matches, scoring 1,812 runs with a century and 11 fifties. He also represented the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League across nine matches.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Jackson emphasized his intent to allow younger players to shine, stating that at his age, there was “no scope for growth” in white-ball cricket. He felt continuing in limited-overs formats might block opportunities for emerging talents.
“At 37-38, even if I scored 5,000 runs, I wasn’t going to be in the reckoning for the national team,” Jackson explained.
Red-Ball Cricket: The Next Chapter
Sheldon Jackson remains committed to red-ball cricket, where he has been a stalwart for Saurashtra. He recently played his 100th First-Class match, boasting impressive stats with 7,187 runs at an average of 46.36, including 21 centuries and 39 fifties.
“My immediate focus is to contribute towards Saurashtra’s progress in the Ranji Trophy,” said Jackson.
Tributes from the Cricketing World
- Jaydev Shah, SCA President:“His dedication and exceptional performances over the years have been inspirational. Sheldon’s contributions to Saurashtra cricket will echo for years.”
- Niranjan Shah, Former BCCI Secretary:“Jackson has been a consistent performer in all formats. His passion and hard work have made him an integral part of Saurashtra cricket.”
Sheldon Jackson leaves behind an illustrious white-ball legacy and continues to inspire countless budding cricketers. His selfless decision to step aside reflects his commitment to the game and its future.
