The fast bowling department of the Indian cricket team has improved significantly during the last 4-5 years. The competition is such that many seasoned pacers like Jaydev Unadkat are still waiting patiently to break into the squad.
Jaydev Unadkat recently told ESPNCricinfo that Ravichandran Ashwin had texted him during the team’s last tour to Australia, where even the travelling reserves got an opportunity to play in the Test series owing to injury concerns for many senior players. Ashwin expressed sympathy for Unadkat after the pacer was not considered for the tour. The off-spinner advised Unadkat to stick to the fundamentals and be persistent.
“I feel for you and the way you have performed in the last [Ranji] season. But be right where you are in terms of your game and your mindset. Your time will come.”, Ashwin had written to Unadkat.
The 30-year old also revealed that he has been informed that due to his age, he cannot travel with the Indian team as a net bowler. “There have been times where I was told that they do not want me as a net bowler because I am a senior player and they want to give exposure to young bowlers as net bowlers.”, said Unadkat.
Not losing sleep thinking about the next India call-up- Jaydev Unadkat
The left-arm pacer bowled brilliantly in the 2019–20 Ranji Trophy season and was the leading wicket-taker with a total of 67 wickets. Since then, red-ball cricket hasn’t been played in the Indian domestic cricket due to COVID-19 and this has affected several quality players including Unadkat.
The veteran bowler is no longer just thinking about an India call-up but instead wants to prove his worth in Ranji Trophy again. “I’m not losing sleep thinking about the next India call-up, but I am holding my breath about returning to play red-ball cricket.”, Unadkat said.
Dear red ball, please give me one more chance.. I’ll make you proud, promise! pic.twitter.com/ThPUOpRlyR
— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) January 4, 2022
Unadkat played his only Test match in December 2010 at the age of 19 in South Africa.