Jaydev Unadkat Reveals Why Ben Stokes Named Him Mango Man

Left-arm fast-bowler Jaydev Unadkat has revealed Ben Stokes named him Mango Man. Jaydev Unadkat and Ben Stokes have been playing together in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2017. In 2017, they plied their trade for now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant and nearly took the team to the title.

While Jaydev Unadkat was the leading wicket-taker of the team that season, Stokes was adjudged the MVP of the competition. In the last two seasons, both of them have played for Rajasthan Royals. If not for the coronavirus pandemic, they would have been playing together right now for the Royals once again.

Coming to the Mango Man story, Jaydev Unadkat revealed the reason behind getting the name from Stokes. The England allrounder  named him the pacer Mango Man after the latter got him the summer fruit during their playing time together for Rajasthan Royals.

“When I brought mangoes for him he was the happiest and called me Mango Man of the group,” Unadkat said in an Instagram Live from his IPL side Rajasthan Royals’ official handle.

“I have memories of him smashing his bats and helmets, he is dangerous after getting out. But he is a great guy, he is a champion,” he added.

The IPL has been postponed due to the pandemic and Unadkat said although he is dying to be back on the field, he can’t complain keeping the present situation in mind.

“I am dying to be on the field. But I can’t complain. We have to be in this fight together,” said Jaydev Unadkat who led Saurashtra to the Ranji Trophy title last month.

Unadkat also said leading Saurashtra to their maiden Ranji Trophy title was one of the best moments of his career and the feeling of holding the trophy aloft was amazing. Saurashtra won their maiden Ranji Trophy title by beating Bengal in the final. The left-arm pacer played an integral role in the win, taking 67 wickets which is the most for any pacer in a single Ranji Trophy season.

“That was special, one of the best moments in my career and biggest trophy that I have won,” he said.

“Ranji is always tough. So many matches…so we need to be fit throughout the season. Winning the semifinal and final under pressure was an amazing feeling. Holding the trophy was also an amazing feeling. I can’t forget that moment. I hope we can lift the IPL trophy as well,” he added.

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