‘We peaked at the right time’

The dank climate that the city has been experiencing for the last few days didn’t dampen his mood even as he politely refrained from making any tall claims or bold proclamations about his team’s victory prospects. However, the 22-year-old believes the flattering head-to-head record, that currently reads 4-0 in favour of his team over Madurai, does give his team a distinct edge in the summit clash.

“We defeated them all the four times we played, including twice this season, and although it doesn’t have any bearing on the final, it puts us in a good mental space. I couldn’t be happier with how my team is shaping up in all facets. At various stages of the league, different players have stepped up, which is heartening,” shared Jagadeesan.

The feisty wicketkeeper-batsman acknowledged the threat his team could face from KB Arun Karthik, the Panthers’ opener, who has been in prolific form throughout the league. “We have our strategies in place to rein him in. He has performed creditably for his side but we have sufficient depth in our bowling to tackle any challenge. As a unit, we peaked at the right time.”

Jagadeesan said he faced no difficulty in taking over the mantle of captaincy from R Ashwin three matches into the tournament. 

“We knew well in advance that Ashwin would leave for England midway through the league. We were prepared and the team management did a good job during the Player draft picking many all-rounders. That has lent greater balance to our team,” pointed out Jagadeesan.

Although a debut for Chennai Super Kings eluded him in this edition’s IPL, Jagadeesan says the time he spent in the dressing room sensitised him to the rigours of the T20 format.

“I was able to learn a lot by interacting with coach Stephen Fleming and batting consultant Mike Hussey. And skipper MS Dhoni’s presence is inspiring. He gave me some valuable insights into ‘keeping. That has definitely helped me evolve as a player,” added Jagadeesan. The Dragons captain also thanked the owner of his franchise ‘Take Solutions’ for bestowing captaincy on him.

Meanwhile, Dragons coach, M Venkataramana, insisted his team was not focusing on what happened in the past between the two sides and said it’s not beyond Madurai to script its own piece of history on Sunday. “Despite struggling in the first two editions, Madurai always had a good side and they proved it this year. The final should make for a wonderful contest,” hoped Venkataramana.