Fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat emerged out as the biggest Indian buy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 auction when he was sold to Rajasthan Royals for the staggering amount of INR 11.50 crore.
It was a big surprise to see as it was the day two of the auction and two franchises viz Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings were involved in the bidding war.
Finally, it was Rajasthan Royals which bought the player. Eventually, it was the only bid which Royals made for him.
Prior to this, a fierce bidding between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings saw Unadkat’s price touching INR 11 Crore.
At the end when it looked like he will play for KXIP, Rajasthan Royals jumped in. The franchise bought him for INR 11.50 crore to spring a surprise in the Bengaluru-based auction.
On being asked whether the price is a pressure for him, he told Sportstar that irrespective of the price tag, he will look to perform well.
” am in good form and I’m looking forward to the challenges. It is an awesome feeling as a bowler, as I was picked for such a high price. I think my hard work has been accepted. Irrespective of the price tag, I need to perform well on the field. I don’t have any pressure. I will put in extra effort during the IPL.”
It was his form in last IPL which saw Unadkats’s price going up when he represented Rising Pune Supergiant(s).
Last year, he bagged 24 wickets in just 12 games in IPL 2017. He also made his comeback to the national side for home Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka.
Unadkat performed well in the series, which was also one of the reasons behind him going for high price. He was then retained in the squad for South Africa and Nidahas Trophy.
The 26-year-old bowler Unadkat has been in and out of the team quite often.
On being asked whether he is looking forward to a place in the team for World Cup 2019, Unadkat said:
“I am not thinking too much as of now. It is everyone’s dream to represent the country in the World Cup. I believe taking one match at a time and giving the best in whatever opportunity comes across.”
Unadkat, who made his Test debut at age of 19 in 2010, has played one Test, seven ODIs, and 10 T20Is till now. His last ODI appearance came way back in 2013.
A good show in IPL will not just help him to retain his place in T20I team, but can also see him making his comeback to the ODI side.
The upcoming IPL season will be a crucial one for Jaydev Unadkat.
On one side, he will have the pressure of delivering a performance befitting to the price he was sold at IPL auction.
On the other side, he will also have to perform well so as to keep his place in the national side.