Rajamani Jesuraj isn’t a big name, but even if he doesn’t achieve all that he has set out to, the 26-year old will hold the distinction of becoming the first ICL player to complete his comeback to the official fold. Jesuraj, who played for the Chennai Superstars in the rebel league, was picked in the 15-member Tamil Nadu squad for the KSCA Trophy that was announced on Monday.

“I am really happy to be back in the state team. It feels like I am marking my run-up in the second innings. The only thing I have in mind is to justify the confidence the state has shown in me,” Jesuraj told The Indian Express on Tuesday.

“I was pleasantly surprised to see my name in the list,” Jesuraj said, adding that he was flattered at the call-up considering bigger names such as Hemang Badani and S Sriram continue to be ignored. “I guess Tamil Nadu right now need fast bowlers more than batsmen. Also, they could be investing in the future, and I have a few good years left in me.

“For me, this is just the first step, I want to see my name again when the Ranji Trophy starts.”

A right-arm pacer with a deceptively quick bouncer — one that has troubled the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh — Jesuraj had hit the domestic circuit running, picking up 18 wickets in his first three games. He has played only 15 first class matches, but is amongst the quickest to reach 50 wickets in domestic cricket.

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