Age Has Nothing To Do With Sport: Sheldon Jackson

image-lenz2m9aJackson was prolific for Saurashtra [Twitter]

Saurashtra batter Sheldon Jackson believes that age should not be a deciding factor when selecting players for the Indian squad, as long as they are fit enough to perform in the game.

Notably, there's been a lot of talk lately about how age is considered as a deciding factor when selecting players for the Indian team from domestic cricket.

Jackson brought up the example of his Saurashtra teammate and captain Jaydev Unadkat, who never gave up on his domestic cricket career and was finally rewarded with a second Test call-up 12 years after his first appearance for India.

Jackson further highlighted the recent achievements of England's veteran bowler James Anderson, who, at the age of 40, was recently named the No.1 ranked Test bowler. 

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Jackson commented:

"I strongly feel that the sport doesn't suggest what colour you are, how old you are, or how young you are. The sport only knows how dedicated and hard-working you are. Jaydev Unadkat came back into the Indian team right? So age has nothing to do with sport as long as you're fit and dedicated to it. Look at Anderson. He is the No.1 bowler at the age of 40." 

The Saurashtra batter also shared his insights on Jaydev Unadkat's bowling form since his India call-up, reminiscing about Unadkat's match-defining spell against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy where he claimed a hat-trick.  

"He (Unadkat) always had the hunger to wear that baggy blue cap of India. You could make that out as even when you expect a tired spell, he was there giving his best."

"When he returned from the Indian team to face Delhi, his confidence was so high that you felt this guy was going to eat you up. He is humble but also confident, exactly what you need in a captain."