'I Have Been Recalled in the Past and I Believe My Time Will Come' - Jaydev Unadkat

Nine years since his Test debut, Jaydev Unadkat hasn’t been the name he was tipped to be. Back then, he was more about pace and the someone who could swing the ball, if the conditions permit. A decade later, Unadkat is a different breed of bowler – someone with guile, better slower deliveries and a lethal bouncer. Though he had remained in the limelight for his performances in the Ranji Trophy and the IPL, the left-armer had failed to keep his spot in the India National Cricket Team.

If I keep pushing well, I will return – Jaydev

During IPL 2019 auctions, Rajasthan Royals purchased Jaydev Unadkat for a whopping 8.4 crore. Even in the previous season, RR had bought him for an amount reading 11.5 crores. Since he didn’t perform well and lived up to the expectations, the franchise thought of releasing him.

Meanwhile, he is currently leading Saurashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019. At the sidelines, he spoke to the TOI, noting if he keeps performing well, his chances of a return to the team will increase. Moreover, he talked about India’s bowling unit – which had done wonders in the recent past. Jaydev said,

“To be honest, all the bowlers are doing very well with the chances they are getting. If you see, it is the best crop of pace bowlers we have had in the history of Test cricket, so it cannot get better in terms of competition. If I keep on playing the way I am at the moment, I definitely feel the time will come. I have been called up when I was doing well in the past and I still feel my time will come. I am going to wait for my time. I am taking it one game at a time. Right now, the focus is to help Saurashtra win every single game,” Unadkat told the TOI.

I feel it’s not right to ask for the expectations – Unadkat

In the past, there have been cricketers who have approached the selectors to know what they need to do to make a comeback to the team. Unadkat, who himself served a lot of time on the sidelines said he didn’t believe he such a manner. Unadkat added going out to the selectors is not a right attitude.

He said instead he would keep working towards his goal and will hope the others will make a note of it. Speaking on his current form, Unadkat mentioned he is peaking at the right time.

“I don’t think that’s the right attitude. There can be a lot of things on their (selectors) mind as well. And there can be a lot of other factors, including what the committee and the team management thinks. I feel it’s not right to ask for explanations. I would much rather keep doing what I am doing and hope that people will notice my efforts. I just want to enjoy every single game I play. I am at the peak of my game, mentally as well which is really important as far as my career is concerned.” Unadkat added.

Meanwhile, the fast bowler starred for Saurashtra – picking the second most number of wickets (39) for the team in the Ranji Trophy 2018/19. The team also reached the finale, though they lost to Vidarbha.