Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat, a talented left-arm fast bowler, made a mark in the cricketing world as the leader of India Under-19s' attack in the 2010 World Cup. Recognized for his impressive bowling action and ability to hit the seam, Unadkat caught the attention of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and was earmarked as a future prospect by bowling coach Wasim Akram. Unadkat's journey continued with a dream first-class debut, where he recorded match-winning figures of 13 for 103 against West Indies A. This performance earned him a place in the Indian Test squad for the tour of South Africa. However, his Test debut at Centurion proved to be a forgettable one as he remained wicketless. Subsequently, he was dropped from the Test team and returned to the domestic circuit. A breakthrough came during India A's tour of New Zealand in 2012-13, where Unadkat showcased his skills in List A matches, claiming nine wickets at an average of 15.77. He continued to make an impact in the IPL, particularly with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he finished as one of the team's top wicket-takers. Unadkat's consistent performances earned him a place in the Indian ODI squad for the tour of Zimbabwe in 2013, where he made his ODI debut and enjoyed success, picking up eight wickets in five matches. He also played two more ODIs in the home season but remained wicketless in both. Unfortunately, Unadkat suffered a setback due to a stress fracture in 2014, leading to a considerable period off the field. However, he made a strong comeback in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season, taking 40 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls, which propelled Saurashtra to the finals. He continued to shine in the IPL, being picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 1.6 crore in the auction. Jaydev Unadkat's journey has been one of resilience and determination. Despite facing ups and downs, he has consistently showcased his talent and emerged as a valuable asset in domestic and franchise cricket. His ability to generate pace and movement with the ball makes him a potent force in the bowling attack.