Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Kedar Jadhav revealed his conversation with head coach Sanjay Bangar that led to his comeback to the franchise in the 2023 Indian Premier League. He has joined the squad for the remainder of the tournament as a replacement for David Willey, who suffered a toe injury.
Kedar Jadhav was with the commentary panel for the ongoing 2023 Indian Premier League when he received a comeback call. He previously played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016 and 2017. In 17 matches for the franchise, he has scored 311 runs at an average of 23.92 and a strike rate of 142.66. Speaking to the Royal Challengers Bangalore social media handle, Kedar Jadhav said,
“I was doing commentary and Sanjay Bhai called me asking what are you doing, I said I am doing commentary, he said are you practicing and I said yeah, twice a week I am practicing, so he asked fitness wise and I said gym and all I am doing in my hotel so I am in shape. He said give me some time, I’ll call you back. That moment only I realized that he is about to call me and tell me that I want you to come and play for RCB.”
“Absolutely surprised, but a pleasant surprise, very exciting opportunity so I wanted to thank the support staff for giving me this opportunity to join the team and make sure I give my 110 percent,” he added.
He’s back and raring to go! 💪
Averaged 92.5 in the recent Ranji Trophy season, he’s been practicing, he’s fit to play and ready to contribute when opportunity knocks his door. Welcome back, Kedar Jadhav! 👊#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 @JadhavKedar pic.twitter.com/SBiJ6zxDMq
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 4, 2023
The hunger to score big runs was there: Kedar Jadhav on his performance in domestic cricket
Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Kedar Jadhav further spoke about the comeback he made for Maharashtra in domestic cricket. In four matches, he scored 555 runs at an average of 92.50, including a 283 runs knock against Assam in the recent Ranji Trophy season. Speaking to the franchise, Kedar Jadhav said,
“I took a break for a year but then I realized that I was missing my passion and when I came back to first-class cricket, I found it very easy to be honest because of all the experience I have, the hunger was there which was in the early 20’s, the hunger to score big runs was there and that’s when I felt I can now come back and play again at all the levels and when I’ve prepared for it, I’ve always performed well.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore is fifth on the points table with five wins from nine games and a NRR of -0.030. They have won three out of their last five matches and will be eyeing to finish well and secure a spot in the top four. The Faf du Plessis-led team will take on the Delhi Capitals next on Saturday, May 6 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
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