Ray Jennings: I am proud that Keaton has done so well on debut
Ray Jennings, the former coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore and the father of English debutant Keaton Jennings has praised his son for his debut century and accepting the Indian challenge without any fear. He also said that Keaton’s familiarity with Indian conditions also helped him a lot.
Keaton Jennings struck a well-compiled 112-run century in his debut innings against India that earned him plaudits from all quarters. He showed an immaculate judgment of his off-stump as he played the Indian spinners with supreme authority. After watching his son shredding the opposition in his debut match, Ray Jennings couldn't be more proud.
"I'm proud that Keaton has done so well on debut. Considering he has debuted and done well in a country where I've spent a lot of time is special. I would have loved to watch him live in action. But given my connection with India, there would have been a lot of focus, so I thought it was important for me to leave him by himself and allow him to enjoy the opportunity that he had gained rather than worry about the people around him," Jennings said in an exclusive chat with the Times of India.
Ray Jennings was a part of Bangalore-based IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore for five seasons and Keaton accompanied him on most occasions as a traveler. So, Ray’s understanding of the Indian conditions was evident in Keaton's innings.
Ray pointed out that having seen the Indian sub-continental conditions was a distinct advantage for Keaton stating, "Keaton has been to India twice earlier during the IPL with me, so he's experienced India earlier. Over the years, I have
"Going into a team which is 2-nil down and playing your first game in India and opening the innings in that was a tough challenge he had. His performance -based on the pressures and situations -was a good one."
On being asked about Jennings’ ability to negate the Indian spinners, Ray said that working with Indian skipper Virat Kohli has helped him to share the knowledge of countering spinners in the subcontinent.
"I've worked with and watched Virat Kohli over the years. He is the best player of spin in the world. And when you have to play spin in India there is a lot to learn from the way he plays, so we fed off that knowledge."
Keaton Jennings had represented South Africa Under-19 side before moving to England. He shredded the bowlers in the division one of the English county championships and racked up a total of 1,548 runs at an average 64 with seven