Irrespective of the price tag, I need to perform well, believes Jaydev Unadkat

After spearheading India’s attack in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, Jaydev Unadkat was selected for India’s tour of South Africa in December 2010. And when Zaheer Khan was out injured, Unadkat made his Test debut as a 19-year-old in the first Test in Centurion. However, there was no fairy-tale debut for the Saurashtra left-arm pacer as he was smashed all around the park by the likes of Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, and AB de Villiers. He was taken for 101 runs in his 26 overs and he failed to pick up a wicket. 

However, he didn’t get bogged down. He went back to domestic cricket and worked hard and performed on a consistent basis. He did get a few more opportunities in the India limited-overs teams but didn’t quite cement his place. But the 2016 IPL changed everything for the Saurashtra lad as he took 24 wickets in 12 games playing for Rising Pune Supergiant and was one of the reasons why RPS reached the final. His death-bowling skills were brilliant and he made the world, and the Indian selectors, sit up and take notice. 

This IPL performance paved a way for his national comeback where he won the Man of the Series. He took 4 wickets in 3 games at a strike-rate of 13.5 and an economy of 4.89. Those figures, combined with a stupendous IPL, led to Unadkat being the most expensive Indian buy at the IPL auctions this year when Rajasthan Royals shelled out a cool 11.5 crores for his signature. 

In an interview with Sportstar, Unadkat revealed that the price tag will not put pressure on him as he has to perform irrespective of the price tag. 

“It is an awesome feeling as a bowler, as I was picked for such a high price. I think my hard work has been accepted. Irrespective of the price tag, I need to perform well on the field. I don’t have any pressure. I am in good form and I’m looking forward to the challenges. I will put in extra effort during the IPL,” Unadkat told Sportstar. 

He also felt that his hard work is paying off and it is time for him to deliver.

“My hard work has paid off. I have been in good form. I always try to stick to the basics and look forward to bowl at right areas. This time too, I would like to repeat the things that have worked for me in the past,” the 26-year-old pacer said. 

Unadkat felt the Rajasthan Royals have enough experience in the bowling attack. RR have a good mix of Indian and foreign fast bowlers but it is likely that it will be two Indians, Dhawal Kulkarni and Unadkat, who will lead the attack for the 28 Champions.

“We have a great mix of domestic and international pacers. We have experienced Indian pacers, Dhawal Kulkarni, Stuart Binny — who can bowl with variation in their pace. Moreover, we have Dushmantha Chameera and Ben Laughlin, who are performing well for their countries. So, I don’t think we lack experienced pacers,” the Saurashtra player stated. 

Just weeks before the start of the IPL, Steve Smith was banned by the Cricket Australia for a year from international cricket and hence BCCI has also barred him from playing the IPL. Thus, in his absence, Ajinkya Rahane has been named the captain, but Unadkat agreed that Smith would be a big loss.

“Definitely, we will be missing him (Smith). But now, we have Ajinkya as captain. He has a good experience of leading the Indian team on many occasions. The team is excited to play under his guidance,” the left-arm pacer admitted. 

Unadkat is also looking to try out a few variations in the upcoming IPL.

“This time, I am looking to apply some variations in my bowling. There are couple of deliveries that I am trying out at the nets. I am currently working to develop these variations,” Unadkat said. 

With India largely having only right-arm pacers, Unadkat will be in the mix for the 2019 World Cup. However, the pacer has revealed that he is not thinking that far ahead. 

“I am not thinking too much as of now. It is everyone’s dream to represent the country in the World Cup. I believe taking one match at a time and giving the best in whatever opportunity comes across,” he said. 

Unadkat also beleives that County cricket can help him develop and learn a lot.

“I do feel county cricket is a great learning, but then there is a lot of cricket happening here and I want to prepare myself and give my best for that. I shall look out for an outing if I get a chance in a year or two to prepare,” he added. 

“Life has not changed much, but it has become more exciting and challenging. I got selected for the country once again. Last year, I played for Pune and this season, I will represent Rajasthan Royals. I am still doing the same things, with more courage, to keep moving forward,” Unadkat concluded.