Hunger for making India comeback stronger: Unadkat
RAJKOT:Now that he is a Ranji Trophy winner, Jaydev Unadkat hopes “people” will not talk only about his IPL riches and says the hunger to make an India comeback has never been stronger following a sensational season.
The Saurashtra skipper and lead pacer picked up 67 wickets this season at 13.23, but more importantly, bowled match-winning spells in both the semi-final and final of the Ranji Trophy.
He took seven wickets against Gujarat and, on Friday, dismissed a well-set Anustup Majumdar before effecting a run out in the same over to tilt the game in his team’s favour.
“I still have that hunger to make a comeback. The hunger has never been stronger than this and that actually kept me going throughout the season,” said Unadkat.
“To be honest, it was challenging physically surviving the season. Bowling long spells as a fast bowler in almost every game.
“I just want to keep this phase going. I don’t want to end it here. Yes, we have won the trophy and I am the happiest captain in the world right now If I can say that.”
The 28-year-old last played for India in 2018, a T20 International against Bangladesh, and played his only Test in 2010 and last of his seven ODIs in 2013.
Teammate Cheteshwar Pujara endorsed Unadkat’s views. “I agree Jaydev has bowled exceptionally well throughout the season. If someone takes 67 wickets in a season, I don’t think there is anyone who can perform better in the Ranji Trophy.”