KKR's Brendon McCullum praises Sheldon Jackson, says player performs like MS Dhoni

The Kolkata Knight Riders' performance in IPL 2022 so far looks pretty good. Starting from the initial match until now, they have managed to record two wins from the three matches they played. The Indian Premier League this season has made spectators and cricket fans alike notice the abilities of the talented cricketers. One of them is Sheldon Jackson, the star of Kolkata Knight Riders.

The man whose full name is Sheldon Phillip Jackson has appeared in two matches in the IPL this season and has impressed many fans with his abilities. Not only getting praise from the fans, some former cricketers even praised Jackson's skills in wicketkeeping.

One of the compliments came from KKR head coach Brendon McCullum. By looking at Jackson's performance when securing the KKR team wickets, the man from New Zealand believes that Jackson has feelings like MS Dhoni when wicketkeeping.

“Sheldon continues to get better and better. He is 35, but you wouldn’t know. His growth in the last two years has been significant. He has a good ball-striking ability. And very few players hit the ball as far as he does, he is not too far, if not the same, behind Andre Russell when he is striking the ball. I am sure with more opportunities, we will see a performance from Sheldon,” McCullum told reporters.

McCullum added that Jackson had the hand speed while wicketkeeping. In addition, Jackson also understands bowling rounds and anticipates them well. “The wicketkeeping skills have been superb. He has got an MS Dhoni sort of a feel about keeping; really fast hands, and an understanding of spin. He knows what the bowlers are doing. He is desperate to do well,” he added.

Spice up following the IPL 2022 by placing a bet! Not sure what what to bet on? Have a look at our free betting picks for the IPL 2022!

Sheldon Jackson

Jackson is playing again in the IPL this season after a five-year absence. Lastly, the 35-year-old cricketer played for KKR against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team at IPL 2017 in Bengaluru. In IPL 2022 during the first game against CSK, Robin Uthappa flicked KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Jackson managed to take a stunning one-handed catch to fire RCB's, Sherfane Rutherford.

Jackson is unbeaten with three balls in team KKR's opener against Chennai Super Kings this season. McCullum also said that Jackson's ball-hitting ability was excellent. McCullum also believes in the ability of the KKR players to play a big hit in the IPL tournament this season.

"Everyone knows that I can bat, but nobody knows I can keep wickets. And if I have to make it to any team, I will have to keep well, which is going to make the difference. If I get to bat, it will be lower down the order. Harbhajan Singh pushed me last year to work harder on my wicketkeeping. KKR fielding coach James Foster has helped, spending hours with me. Even Brendon McCullum has helped with different drills and techniques. It has helped me in the matches with regards to the stumpings and the catches, especially that of Sherfane Rutherford,” said Jackson.