Sussex have signed up Indian fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat for their first three County Championship matches in September. The team, currently playing in Division Two, would be looking to strengthen their chances of promotion to Division One by including the left-arm pacer. The 31-year-old was recently part of the Indian Test team against the West Indies and played in both matches, which the visitors won 1-0.
Twelve years after his debut against South Africa in 2010, Unadkat returned to the Indian Test team in the second match against Bangladesh late last year. He has played 22 matches across all formats for India and has taken 26 wickets. Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace was delighted to have Jaydev Unadkat back in the squad for the crucial matches in September.
“We are delighted that Jaydev will join us for the September championship period, he is a quality bowler and a great guy to have join our squad at an exciting time of the season,” Farbrace said in a statement.
He Added:
“His record is outstanding, and we will be looking for Jaydev to share his experience with our developing team. Everyone at Hove is looking forward to Jaydev being part of this Championship run in and help the team to take wickets and win games of cricket,”
Signed for the County Championship. 🙌
Welcome to Sussex, Jaydev Unadkat! 🤩 #GOSBTS pic.twitter.com/tp8foRlH79
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) August 17, 2023
Jaydev Unadkat holds a formidable first-class record with 382 wickets in 103 matches at an impressive average of 22.58, including 22 five-wicket hauls and 18 four-wicket hauls. He was also the first captain to lead his home team Saurashtra to the Ranji Trophy title in 2019-2020.
“I Can Definitely Add Value And Contribute To The Team’s Goals” – Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat shared his excitement about playing for Sussex and said that he can add a lot of value to the team in the three matches he is expected to feature in.
“I am excited to join Sussex for their Championship games in September. I have been following the team’s recent run of success and I had a nice conversation with Paul and it looks like I can definitely add value and contribute towards the team’s goals,” Jaydev Unadkat said in an official release.
He also talked about the rich legacy of the English County Championship and expressed his desire to add to the contributions of Indian teammate Cheteshwar Pujara in the last two seasons.
He Added:
“The English County Championship has a wonderful legacy, and I was keen to grab the opportunity whenever I can and it seems to be the right time for me at this point in my career,
Unadkat Concluded:
“I hope to add to the laurels that my dear friend & team-mate, Cheteshwar has been adding aplenty while representing Sussex for the last couple of seasons, and more importantly, helping the team win games. I am looking forward to joining everyone at Sussex,”Â
Sussex is currently fourth in the points table with one win and nine draws from 10 matches. They will play four games in September to complete the season in the race to be promoted to Division One next year. Jaydev Unadkat will play matches against Durham, Leicestershire and Derbyshire from September 3 to September 22.
