Indian fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat has signed with Sussex for his debut stint in the County Championship. He will be joining his India and Saurashtra teammate Cheteshwar Pujara at the club.
Unadkat is expected to be available for at least three of four remaining matches for Sussex, starting with the game against Durham on September 3. However, he may miss the final match if he returns to lead Saurashtra in the Irani Cup, which begins on October 1.
Expressing his excitement, Unadkat said:
“I have been following the team’s recent success and I believe I can contribute towards the team’s goals. The English County Championship has a great history, and I have been waiting for the right opportunity to be a part of it in my career.”
Unadkat recently represented India in two Tests against West Indies but failed to pick up any wickets. However, he did manage to take a wicket in the only ODI he played on the tour.
With 103 first-class matches under his belt, including four Tests, Unadkat has an impressive record of 382 wickets at an average of 22.58 and an economy rate of 2.94.
Unadkat captained Saurashtra to their first Ranji Trophy title in 2020, taking 67 wickets in that season, the most by a fast bowler in a single season. He then led them to a second title this year, winning the Player-of-the-Match award in the final against Bengal.
Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace expressed his delight at signing Unadkat, stating, “We are thrilled to have Jaydev join us during the championship period. He is a quality bowler and his experience will be valuable for our developing team.”
Unadkat’s addition to the Sussex squad will provide them with a skilled bowler and a mentor for their young players. Indian players have been showing their interest to play county cricket, this is good sign for development and engagement of cricket at basic level.
We have seen Navdeep Saini, Prithvi Shaw, Arshdeep Singh, Cheteshwar Pujara and a number of other professional cricketers from India taking part in the county cricket. It not only helps to enriching their own game with experience but also, the exchange of valuable cricket lessons makes the learning possible.
