Team's performance more important than individual stats, says N. Jagadeesan

Dindigul Dragons acting skipper N. Jagadeesan – who is the side's leading run-scorer – says individual numbers don't matter as long as the team performs.

N. Jagadeesan has played a gargantuan role in his team’s progress in the tournament – having scored 214 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 133.75.

As the Tamil Nadu Premier League's (TNPL) league stage draws to a close, Dindigul Dragons finds itself seated at the top of the table with four victories in five matches. But with both Seichem Madurai Panthers and IDream Karaikudi Kaalai breathing down its neck, Dragons still have a tough job at hand to maintain the coveted spot.

Dindigul’s acting skipper N. Jagadeesan has played a gargantuan role in his team’s surge. He is currently the team's highest run-getter, having scored 214 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 133.75.

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Speaking to  Sportstar on Sunday, Jagadeesan said,”It feels good (to be the top run-getter for Dindigul) but individual numbers do not matter as long as the team is performing.”

Dragons’ next match against Karaikudi at Tirunelveli will be a test of nerves. Courtesy of a better run rate, a win should see Karaikudi comfortably float to the top of the table.

“Hari Nishaanth, R. Vivek and N. S. Chaturved have been batting and supporting me exceptionally well. The way they have been striking the ball takes extra pressure off me allowing me enough time to settle down,” he said.

He added that the bowling department needed some fine tuning, “We have not been checking all the boxes with our death bowling. But the idea is to keep working on it and keep improving as the game goes.”

The 22-year old wicketkeeper from Coimbatore was also picked up by Chennai Super Kings at his base price of Rs 20 lakh this year. When asked who his favourite captain was, he replied, “One really cannot compare. Both play separate roles. I interacted more with Ravichandran Ashwin (off on national duty now) when it came to discussing about the team in this TNPL but when it comes to wicket-keeping, it has always been Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”

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During his time in the IPL, Jagadeesan also picked up a few tricks of the trade from CSK batting coach Michael Hussey. “Hussey is a legend you can always look up to. He is always ready to help youngsters. I have had conversations with Hussey and those have helped me,” he signed off.

Dindigul Dragons takes on IDREAM Karaikudi Kaalai at the Indian Cement Company Ground in Tirunelveli on Monday at 7:15 PM IST.