The Indian fast bowler, Jaydev Unadkat played his last ODI back to 2013 and there are no chances of him getting selected for India’s World Cup squad. Recently, he led Saurashtra to the Ranji Trophy final, picking 39 wickets from eight matches, including three five-wicket hauls. Besides, Unadkat was also among the wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy claiming 12 scalps from six games.
One has to consider the fact that Unadkat deserves a chance for India as he did a commendable domestic performance. Having said that, quality India’s fast bowling unit possesses at the moment, Unadkat seems pretty much out of contention. Realizing how fierce the competition is within the national team, Unadkat is content waiting for his turn to come.
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Talking about the same during a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Unadkat said,
“Everyone has raised the bar so high, whoever wants to come knows they are competing with the best. They play every game like it’s their last game and that’s been the hallmark of this team, they play every game to win giving more than 100 percent. That’s what I’m going to do as well. I don’t want to dwell on making comebacks. Obviously, I would be the happiest when I get my chance back in the team but it’s going to be one game at a time.”
Hence, Unadkat is now focussing on doing well in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a tournament in which he’s attracted some serious buyers.
However, the last two seasons have been quite contrasting for him. From being the architect behind Rising Pune Supergiants’ road to the IPL final in 2017, emerging as the second-highest wicket-taker to feeling the heat the year after (11 wickets from 15 matches), the left-arm pacer is channeling his energy and momentum towards Rajasthan Royals.
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Talking about his national comeback, Unadat said,
“I don’t want to keep such targets. It puts that extra bit of pressure on you which can be bad at times. As far as the IPL is concerned, the goal will be to back myself when I’m put under the pressure situations. I really want to win those 3-4 games for my team when they rely upon me to bowl that lasts over to win the game. I want to do it at least 3-4 times this season. That’s going to be the goal for me going forward in this IPL.”
A season which began with Saurashtra almost tasting Ranji Trophy success, Unadkat is keen to carry forward that momentum for the Royals. Under the mentorship of Shane Warne and the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the Royals would be keen to better their performance from last year, where they qualified for the Playoffs upon their return after serving a two-year ban, and Unadkat, in particular, is looking forward to playing a big role.
Expressing his point further, Unadkat said,
“We’ve (Saurashtra) had a fabulous season. We reached the final of the four-dayers, we did well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali as well, winning four out of six games. So the season has been fantastic. If I look at it now after a good domestic season, it all comes to this, I want to enjoy every single game I play from now on. Be it a game for the Rajasthan Royals, be it a game for Saurashtra, I want to enjoy every single ball I deliver and to enjoy the feeling of just being on the field and doing the right thing. That mindset would help me to be good at my skills at pressure situations also.”
