Can you believe this? Jigar Naik, the first-ever Leicester-born Asian cricketer to play for Leicestershire in the English county championship in 2006, has to undergo the strange experience of a split passion and divided loyalty? Well, this 27-year-old cricketer whose parents hailed from Gujarat before settling down in England 30 years ago, had to face this.
For when watching along with his dad Hakumatrai Naik, it was a rare instance of a father cheering the MS Dhoni-led Indian team on its tour to England while Jigar was longing for the English team. And, the young off-spinner has every reason to do so as he is now aiming to play for England very soon. “I know it is not going to be easy given the current form they are in being the No. 1 Test side,” he reminded.
Jigar, who picked a few invaluable tips from the former Indian great Erapalli Prasanna, says it was fun watching the India-England series with his parents.
“But, that apart, I was honestly surprised at the No. 1 side faring so badly. It was not as bad a team as the end-result would have shown,” remarked Jigar, who is in the city to represent Leicestershire in CL T-20 qualifiers here (September 19 to 21).
Jigar, who is a full-time pro in cricket in England, believes that back home they have a wonderful structure which promotes genuine talent. “And I am really fortunate to get the complete support of my family members,” he says.
And, not surprisingly like many, this cricketer with Indian origin is a big fan of Sachin Tendulkar but regrets at not meeting him. “Definitely, I was waiting desperately to watch the much-debated 100{+t}{+h} international century from the Indian maestro (which eventually eluded Sachin on the recent England tour),” he added.
“Yes, it is a great feeling to play in India and I am eagerly looking to the big crowds. Definitely, it should be a different and wonderful experience when I get a chance to play here in Hyderabad,” said Jigar before joining his teammates.