Exclusive: J Suchith makes Nagaland switch in hopes of IPL deal

All-rounder Jagadeesha Suchith, 30, of Karnataka, switched teams to play for Nagaland in the coming domestic season. He was not receiving enough opportunities to represent his state, as players like Abhinav Manohar, Krishnappa Gowtham, and Manoj Bhandage were picked ahead of him for the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Given the likelihood of the pattern continuing, Suchith made the decision to move to Nagaland.

He gave an explanation for the decision, pointing out that while he was playing in the 2022 IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was not selected for the 2023 and 2024 seasons because he did not receive enough game time in domestic cricket. The cricketer thinks he would receive a call from IPL franchises ahead of the 2025 edition if he performs well in the upcoming season for Nagaland in all three formats.

“I believe the [lack of] game time is the cause. I haven’t played red-ball cricket for Karnataka for the past two seasons. I didn’t play Vijay Hazare and I just played Mushtaq Ali a few seasons ago. I only played Vijay Hazare last season instead of Mushtaq Ali,” Suchith explained, explaining his decision.

Thus, it’s just time for the game. For myself, it’s been quite difficult over the last few seasons. Even after participating in the 2022 IPL, he continued, “I believe that one of the main reasons I wasn’t selected was my lack of game time.

 J Suchith aims to do well against Elite teams

J Suchith wants to leave his imprint on the best teams so that the IPL scouts will take note and give him another chance to enter the lucrative competition. Notably, he has participated in 22 IPL games thus far and has taken 19 wickets at an average of 31.68. Suchith took 12 wickets in three games to help his team, the Mysore Warriors, win the Maharaja Trophy. He also made 161 runs with a strike rate of 164.28.

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This year, I get to play a lot more games and have a lot more chances to impact games against really good elite teams. Thus, suchith stated, “If I can accomplish that and win a few games for Nagaland, I’ll be able to make an impact and many people notice it and get back into playing IPL again.”