Saturday, 8th June 2019, marks a pivotal moment in Jaykishan Plaha’s cricketing career on and off the pitch. He was 23 when he was picked to bowl against the Australia international cricket team ahead of their upcoming match against India in the group stage of the ICC World Cup at the Kia Oval. A very auspicious and talented cricketer, his aspirations of becoming professional were halted due to a tragic head injury when being on the other side of a David Warner cover drive.
A depressed skull fracture on the front of the head left doctors and medical professionals wondering how Jaykishan survived this freak accident. Being paralyzed on the right-hand side for a few days and going through physical rehab meant his net bowling progress, which started back in 2017, stopped for a while. Jaykishan closely worked with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England Lions, and even the infamous IPL franchise for Kolkata Knight Riders after an impressive ECB City Cup performance. However, mental health issues arose due to being unable to train properly during the pandemic lockdown and being isolated indoors. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts were all problems Jaykishan had to face by himself, which were discussed in detail in his latest interview with ESPNCricinfo. However, support was soon available when the pandemic entered its later stages, and outdoor sports were made available again.
Jaykishan’s redemption at a second chance in life kickstarted with the social league and club cricket, working his way up from the 3rd team to the 1st team and playing in top-tier divisions in Surrey and Middlesex premier league cricket. National Fast Bowling Academy, Uzi Arif – Masterclass Cricket Academy, Shahbaz Choudhary – author of pace journal, Athletico Pro, family, best friends Sham, NFL training group, and Qaiss Raja, who has played with Jaykishan Plaha throughout his comeback years from 2020. All these special mentions have helped Jaykishan to overcome the fear of facing a cricket ball. After a challenging and personal journey, Jaykishan sets his vision on making it professional once again and trains in Dubai for short stints, playing in the Sharjah Ramadan league on live television. Jaykishan mentions this was a life-defining moment for him, playing in front of a live crowd and television, and reports his self-belief of becoming a cricket star has kicked in since then. He then played the 2022 season in the USA, seeking to become a professional in a country where cricket is developing fast, and the nation’s hopes of entering the ICC World Cup are rising year after year.
After playing one season for Carribean CC of Los Angeles, Owner – Dr. Binzie Roy Davidson and Ex-West Indies star Fidel Edward’s father – Mr. Cuttings, both saw the potential in Jaykishan and offered a starting XI contract. Earlier this year, Jaykishan ironically trained in Australia for eight weeks, working closely with coaches who have previously trained some of the top batsmen and bowlers of the Australia Cricket team. This came after finding out about the possibility of getting drafted for the MILC- Minor league in the USA after an impressive season last year for Carribean CC.
Jaykishan has built a reputation as someone serious about pursuing his dream of becoming a professional cricketer. After leaving his friends and family back in the United Kingdom and his coaches who have helped him get this far, Jaykishan is willing to give it everything to fulfill his 2017 self’s dream. Jaykishan quotes: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard, and it is time to leave n overdue legacy.” This represents his mindset which he portrays on his YouTube channel ‘ItsYourBoyJayMan.’ Jaykishan is someone to keep an eye on and look out for in the near future within the American international team’s ranks.
