India have one of the best fast bowling units, states Jaydev Unadkat

The Indian pacers are in a sensational form since the last tour Down Under. In Test matches, it was the combination of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami that worked well for the Men in Blue while in the limited-overs format Shami has been spectacular alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. India also tried out Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed in the bowling attack in the last few games. On the other hand, Unadkat is yet to get a chance in the team since the Nidahas Trophy final in March 2018.

The Saurashtra pacer has now spoken about the Indian pace attack and said that the tough competition gives him the confidence and he has no added pressure to get back into the national side. 

“We obviously have one of the best fast-bowling units in the world at the moment. And I’m really happy that they’ve raised the standard so high that anyone who wants to compete knows what it’ll take to get there. For someone like me, or any youngster out there trying to make a mark, we know we’re competing with the best and have to work that hard to get there,” told Scroll.in.

“I think this competition is great. I don’t take any pressure, rather it gives me confidence. My domestic season went well and the rhythm is good, so I do feel I’m there and there about. I just need to keep following the routines I’ve set. There’s still scope of improving every aspect of my game, be it fitness, skill or pace. So I just want to keep focusing on the things that are in my control, and I do feel that if I keep doing that my time will come. I’m not putting any pressure on myself in terms of getting into the Indian team by a certain time. I just want to enjoy the game and give everything I have each time I step on the field and captaining Saurashtra has helped me in this regard. The responsibility has helped me focus harder on each game that I play, instead of thinking too far ahead.”

With an aim of finding a good left-arm pacer to bring some variation in the Indian pace attack, the team management tried out Khaleel in a few games. However, after leading Saurashtra to the runners-up title this season, Unadkat has underlined the fact that he has got the much-needed X factor to get a chance at the highest level. 

“You do need an X factor to make it to the highest level. No mediocre player has ever made it to the top. In day games, I feel swing and accuracy are my strengths. These are things I rely on greatly. And in white-ball cricket, of course, I bank on my variations. I think I’m known for that. I keep honing these skills and working on new ones as well,” the Saurashtra pacer explained. 

“These days, I’m working hard on developing accuracy with yorkers and slower-bouncers. This is a process that never ends. One can always learn something new as well as hone one’s strengths. I’m pretty confident of my skills and the X factor in me for playing at the highest level. You need to be this confident so that you can deliver for your team when a pressure situation arises in a match.”

Speaking about the Indian domestic season and captaining Saurashtra, Unadkat added, “It has been a great season for me, both personally and with Saurashtra as a team. To be the captain of a team that played the Ranji Trophy final and did fairly well in the T20s [Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] as well is very satisfying. I think captaincy has helped me a lot. I’m someone who loves leading a side. I was the vice-captain of the team for a few years and have also led district-level teams in the past. I think I always had that knack of leadership. This added responsibility has also helped my game. I love that feeling of standing up for the team at all times and showing the way.”

Unadkat became one of the top picks in the auctions for this year’s IPL as he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping Rs 8.4 crore. However, when asked if that will have additional pressure on his shoulder, the 27-year-old denied of any added pressure.

“Not really. I’m quite used to it by now. There was a lot of hype around it last year, but it’s much more calm and poised this time around. The kind of space I am in right now, it doesn’t matter to me if people keep talking about my price tag. At this stage of my career, I think it’s high time I focus just on my performance on the field rather than worry about what others expect,” said Unadkat.

“As professionals, there is bound to be pressure on each of us every time we step on the field. Irrespective of the price tag, there’s pressure on everyone. It simply comes down to how you handle it. You have to cope with this pressure if you want to play at the highest level. I’ve been working on it since last year and am very happy with my head-space at the moment. My processes remain the same and I’m enjoying my cricket. The IPL will pose a different challenge compared to domestic cricket, but I’m hoping I’ll come out all guns blazing.”

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