After playing 12 first-class games from 2004 to 2010, former Ranji player Deepak Joon is running out of patience. His successful cricketing stint in New Zealand and an offer from the club he played for there — Wellington Collegians — means Joon will make one final attempt to be an Indian first class cricketer once again this season.
After he was shown the doors by Haryana, Joon spent considerbale time in New Zealand, where he shared the dressing room with Kiwi international James Franklin.
"I want to try for a final time since I have done well in the club season. But at the same time if I don't play first class cricket this season, I will be travelling to New Zealand," said Joon.
His tryst with Collegians started after he failed to hold onto his place in the Haryana side. He surprised many, including himself, as he went onto score in the excess of 300 runs and was also adjudged best batsman of the side.
His most cherished memory playing for Collegians was his match-winning partnerhsip with Franklin in a vital game. "It was special. That season I scored 340 runs for the club in 5 games which included a century and an unbeaten 76. I made the most of my time there," Joon said.
In 2008 he switched allegiance to the Jammu & Kashmir side as a professional player. But things failed to go his way as he never made it to the playing eleven.
With no competitive cricket under his belt, Joon again flew to Wellington and scored runs for the team. With two successful stints, the Collegians management made him an offer to play the first-class season. "The club after assessing my performance offered me to join," he said.
Joon had been scoring heavily during Delhi's various tournaments, including the Hot Weather. And hence the optimism to prolong his domestic career. "I am not done yet. But I have my option open. So if I fail to cement my place, I will surely move to New Zealand," Joon says.