India’s left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat will return to County Cricket for the second consecutive season. Last year, he joined Sussex and once again, with the end of the season coming close, Unadkat will join the same team. The former India U19 player was not selected for any of the Duleep Trophy sides early this month. The 32-year-old will play his first game for Sussex against Yorkshire on Thursday, August 22.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad player in the IPL has joined his India and Saurashtra teammate, Cheteshwar Pujara. The latter played last for India in the World Test Championship final 2023 against Australia. He failed to perform in both innings and was duly snubbed from the team. It is highly unlikely that Pujara will make a comeback in the team. Meanwhile, the right-hander has been part of the team since 2022 and has been playing for the team regularly.
Last season, the Porbandar-born player’s best performance came against Leicestershire as he took six wickets for 94 runs. Notably, he was nursing an ankle injury and helped his side defend 499 runs. Meanwhile, speaking on the left-arm pacer’s inclusion, Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace said “Jaydev lived up to the expectation that not only would he show his class on the field, but he would also be a fantastic person and be part of what we are all trying to achieve. Jaydev is a lovely guy who did everything he could to help our players and share his fantastic knowledge.”
Jaydev Unadkat excited to make a comeback
After being named in the team, Unadkat reminisced about the last-day thriller against Leicestershire. For the unversed, Leicestershire were on course to chase 499 against Sussex. However, Jaydev’s six-wicket haul meant that the chasing side was bowled out for 483 runs.
“It was at Hove last season when we won a last-day thriller against Leicestershire, that gave me a sense of belongingness to county cricket, and to Sussex as my home.
Unadkat last played a competitive game during the IPL 2024. His team, SRH qualified for the final for the first time after 2018. They lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the summit clash.