A resurgent Jagdeep Bains on the cards?
Couple of days ago, 35-year-old Punjabi vet Jagdeep Bains posted a video of him throwing down a powerful sledgehammer in transition during a practice game.
Is a resurgent Jagdeep Singh Bains on the cards?
Who is Jagdeep Bains?
Image credits: FIBA.com
As documented by fellow Team Ekalavyas writer Aditi Dwivedi, "Jagdeep Singh Bains also named as “Jaggi” by his teammates, hails from Ganganagar in Rajasthan. He started playing basketball in 2002. Initially, for a year, he played one school nationals for Rajasthan. Thereafter, he was approached by late Coach S. Subramanian to join the Ludhiana Basketball Academy. Bains agreed, and was soon part of the junior India team, and made his place in the senior team at age 19. He became an integral part of the Indian team, playing over 20 international tournaments, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and multiple Asian Basketball Championships. He was an all-rounder and helped India win crucial matches."
Thereafter, Jagdeep suffered a series of unfortunate career-threatening episodes including injuries and unemployment.
READ: "Heartbreaking when you do so much but get rejection in return"
Jagdeep, back to his best?
From the looks of things, it appears that the 6ft 6'' small forward/power forward is back to his best.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLR_cRPDzD6/
Through the four first-round games so far, Jagdeep has averaged 6.3 pts, 3.8 reb & 2.8 ast in 25.7 mins. These are far from stellar numbers for a player who was once a mainstay on the Indian squad a decade ago.
India (1-3) needs balanced scoring heading into its two final window games later this week. It has appeared overly reliant on the singular brilliance of Amjyot Singh Gill.
With crucial games against Iraq and Lebanon left, India's ability to stay in contention for a spot in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup hangs in the balance.
READ: 2021 FIBA Asia Cup - India's Qualification Chances Explained
In such a scenario, a resurgent Jagdeep Bains with fresh legs and renewed resolve will be more than welcomed by the Indian basketball community.
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