Leadership has helped me mature: Jaydev Unadkat
JAIPUR: The photo shoot went smoothly and Jaydev Unadkat was very much the seasoned pro in fulfilling the pre-ipl obligations for Rajasthan Royals at the team hotel here on Saturday. However, the Saurashtra leftarm pacer knows the heat will be on him once the 2008 champions begin their campaign against Kings XI Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Last season, the weight of expectations as the most expensive Indian buy in the auctions (~11.5 crore) proved too much as his 11 wickets paled in comparison with the 24 he took in 2017, helping Rising Pune Supergiant reach the playoffs.
“The only goal I set myself after last IPL was to enjoy every game. I felt I was not doing that as much as I should. I am happy now that I am in a mental space where I am not thinking about the results. I want to keep playing with the passion and hunger I always had. The results will come,” he said.
The change in attitude has done the trick. Asked to lead Saurashtra this season, he guided them to the Ranji Trophy final and claimed 38 wickets in eight matches.
“The leadership role helped me to do it (enjoy) better. I was thinking about other players, how am I going to manage them, how the team’s going to win. It helped me to be in that moment and the thrill, experience of leading the team was amazing. It cannot get better in the first year as Saurashtra captain. We were playing like a team. The domestic season has given me great confidence. It is all about being in good rhythm and that’s what I was trying to build. We (also) did well in Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20). The form I have got, I would like to keep it going in IPL. Experiences make you stronger and I have learnt new skills as well.”
Fast-tracked into the Test side as a 19-year-old on the 2010-11 South Africa tour after impressing with the junior India team, it proved a steep learning curve as he was dumped after the debut in Centurion. He has since played seven ODIS (8 wickets) and 10 T20s (14 wickets).
“I was lucky enough to understand the high standards I have to set for myself if I wanted to play for India for a longer period. I did not grab my chances but after being dropped a couple of times, I’ve come back stronger.”
Now 27, Unadkat is upbeat. “The next five years are going to be the most exciting of my career, where I am going to be at my peak. I want to enjoy my game to the fullest. Failures come but it’s about how much you are going to put in the next match. With every match I have grown and matured. I want to be versatile as a bowler, I will keep fighting for a spot in every format,” said Unadkat.
Unadkat and Ben Stokes forged a good combination for RPS but couldn’t replicate that for RR last year. “I, Stokes, Jinx (skipper Ajinkya Rahane) have been together since Pune and it helps in planning. We understand each other’s mindset.”
The World Cup squad will be picked a month into IPL and India are looking for a fourth seamer. Besides being a leftarmer, Unadkat swings the ball, an ability that should help in English conditions.
“The competition in the Indian team is stronger, but it brings out the best in all of us. IPL is going to be crucial, and I don’t want to think far. I would be the happiest if I get a chance (to play for India) but now I want to focus on the job at hand,” said Unadkat.