Jagadeesha Suchith has a passion for football, enjoying both watching and playing the sport. Many of his teammates and friends from the Karnataka circle share this enthusiasm, making it a popular pastime among them. For Suchith, football serves as a refreshing break from cricket, allowing him to unwind and recharge. Engaging in this sport helps him shift his focus and energy, preparing him to return to his responsibilities on the cricket field with renewed vigor, whether it’s batting or bowling.
Suchith’s Athletic Journey: From Gymnastics to Cricket:
For Suchith and his friends, cricket remains the enduring passion that connects them all. Despite his love for football, cricket is his true first love. Interestingly, his journey as an athlete actually began with a different sport. Nevertheless, cricket continues to hold a special place in his heart, serving as a foundational element of his sporting identity and a constant source of joy in his life.
Suchith’s journey started at the esteemed University of Mysore, where his father emphasized the importance of building stability through gymnastics. Initially reluctant about gymnastics, Suchith eventually recognized its positive influence on his cricketing skills over time. He also dabbled in swimming during this phase, but it was cricket that ultimately captured his heart. Suchith expresses gratitude to his father for encouraging him to pursue gymnastics, which laid a strong foundation for his athletic career.
He said, “ Actually I was a very naughty kid and I was very adamant in not going for gymnastics,” says Suchith in a tell-all chat with Sportskeeda. “I didn’t like gymnastics to be very honest but my father knew that this was going to help me going forward and I think it’s now showing results.”
Suchith’s IPL Debut: Rising to the Challenge:
Once Suchith entered the world of cricket, there was no turning back, despite facing various challenges. At just 21, he made his domestic debut as a left-arm spinner and was soon thrown into the spotlight when he was included in the Mumbai Indians’ playing XI for the IPL in 2015. Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium marked a significant milestone in his career, serving as his first true experience in the limelight.
Suchith faced a tough challenge in his debut against a formidable Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). However, he made his mark by taking the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell and contributing an impressive 34 runs off 21 balls, forming a vital 100-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Harbhajan Singh. Despite MI’s loss, his debut was undeniably memorable.
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Suchith played a crucial role in the MI lineup as they turned around a four-match losing streak early in the tournament, ultimately winning the title and featuring in the final. This was a significant highlight in the early stages of his cricket career, though he also faced challenges in the following seasons that tested his resilience and growth as a player.
He further said, “ Every cricketer will have ups and downs. I saw a huge up winning the Karnataka Premier League, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Ranji Trophy, the Irani Cup and the IPL, all in the span of six months in 2014-2015. After that, I saw a big dip in my cricketing career.”
At 30, Suchith brings a wealth of experience to every team he plays for. His impact was clear in the Mysore Warriors’ triumphant return in the recently concluded Maharaja Trophy 2024, where they secured their first title in a decade. Suchith’s resilience and determination to bounce back have always defined his approach. He attributes much of his strength and support to his wife, Lakshmi, who has been his steadfast partner throughout his journey.
He concluded, “ If not for the support of my wife, I wouldn’t have achieved what I’ve achieved today. I still remember in 2016 I was out of the Ranji Trophy squad, and I went back to playing U23 cricket after having already played two years of IPL cricket. I promised my wife that I’ll come back again playing Ranji Trophy cricket for Karnataka. And I made a comeback into the Ranji Trophy setup in 2018 where I picked up 25 wickets in four games in the season.”
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