The BCCI, on Sunday (February 12), announced that fast-bowler Jaydev Unadkat has been released from Team India squad for the upcoming second Test against Australia in Delhi.
The left-arm pacer could not get a place in the playing eleven for the recently-concluded first Test at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur as India preferred Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj ahead of him. While he was warming the bench, India went on to thrash Australia by an innings and 132 runs inside three days to take the lead in the three-match series.
Jaydev Unadkat was likely to be on the bench for the second Test too. He will now take part in the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Saurashtra and Bengal, scheduled to begin on February 16, a day before the second Test gets underway in Delhi.
The All-India Senior Selection Committee in consultation with the Indian team management has decided to release Jaydev Unadkat from India’s squad for the 2nd Test of the Mastercard Australia tour of India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” the BCCI stated in its release.
“Jaydev will now join the Saurashtra squad, which qualified for the Mastercard Ranji Trophy final to be played against Bengal from 16th February at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata,” added the release.
Jaydev Unadkat eyes Ranji Trophy title:
A couple of seasons ago, Jaydev Unadkat had led Saurashtra to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Incidentally, Saurashtra’s opponents in that final were also Bengal.
The fast-bowler had led his team from the very front in that historic season, picking up a record 67 wickets which is the second-highest haul by a bowler in a season. He has enjoyed a prolific time with the ball in the last few seasons in domestic cricket and would be keen to do well against Bengal in the upcoming game.
The stunning performances in domestic cricket had helped him earn a Test recall in December last year after a long wait of 12 years. Jaydev Unadkat will be looking to make the most of his experience and guide Saurashtra to their second title.