Jaydev Dipakbhai Unadkat (born 18 October 1991) is an Indian professional cricketer who has played for the Indian national team. He plays for Saurashtra and Sussex in domestic cricket. He represented India in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2010. In March 2020, Unadkat became the first man to captain Saurashtra to the Ranji Trophy title. In December 2022, Unadkat returned to the Test XI after 12 years.[2]
Domestic career
Domestically Unadkat plays for Saurashtra. He has played for a number of teams in the Indian Premier League. When he was selected by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 he was one of the costliest Indian players.[3] In May 2013 he achieved his best T20 career bowling figures of 5/25 playing against Delhi Daredevils and was named Player of the Match.[4]
In 2014, he was selected by Delhi in that year's IPL auction, and in February 2016 Kolkata Knight Riders made the winning bid in that auction, ₹160 lakh (US$190,000), to secure Unadkat's services.[5] In February 2017, he moved again, this time to Rising Pune Supergiants.[6] In the 10th IPL he took a hat-trick against Sunrisers Hyderabad during the final over of the match which was a wicket maiden over.[7][8]
After playing for India's under-19 side in England in 2010, taking 13 wickets on his first-class cricket debut against West Indies under-19s at Grace Road, Unadkat was used as a net bowler for the Indian national side in Sri Lanka before making his international debut for India against South Africa in December 2010 in the first Test at Centurion.[19]
In the 2nd Test against Bangladesh on 22 December 2022 at Mirpur, Unadkat was named as a replacement to Kuldeep Yadav. Jaydev Unadkat made his comeback to the Test side after 12 years.[20]
