IPL 2021: Have made a few changes in my bowling action, says Rajasthan Royals’ Jaydev Unadkat

Rajasthan Royals (RR) fast-bowler Jaydev Unadkat will be seen bowling with a few modifications in the action, in the second half of IPL 2021. Unadkat is one of the most experienced players in the Rajasthan-based franchise. He had a fine start to IPL 2021, registering figures of 3/15 in his first appearance for the team. Unadkat has already matched last season’s wicket tally with seven league matches remaining.

“It’s been a good start for the team and for me personally”

“It’s been a good start for the team and for me personally as well. That game (against DC) was crucial, I was coming back into the team, so I had to do well. I was pretty happy with the way I was bowling in that part of the season, and I’ll be looking to continue doing the same in this phase as well but with a few improvements that I’ve been working on during the off season,” stated the pacer in an interaction with RR’s media team, from his hometown of Rajkot.

“Have worked on some of the technicalities in my bowling. Wanted to make a few changes in my bowling action, so was working on that, and that itself requires a good amount of time, so I was devoted towards making those changes and getting used to them,” he added.

Unadkat has accounted for 85 wickets in 84 IPL matches, which is an indication of the impact he is capable of. The experienced pacer has further been leading the bowling attack for the Royals for the past few seasons.

“I think I’ve been playing that role in our team for the past 2-3 years because of the experience I have in the IPL till now, and I quite like to do it. Nowadays to be honest, it’s not about one leader in the pack, everyone who is coming in has played at the highest level somewhere or the other down the line.”

“Everyone knows their individual game and it’s only about maybe guiding them whenever required or about providing the strategic inputs whenever the team needs it. So, I think I kind of enjoy that role and I will be looking to play it going forward as well,” stated the Saurashtra captain.

“Wanted to go off the attention a bit”

Unadkat keeps taking breaks from social media, stating that it was nice to spend some time simply with the family recently.

“I wanted to do some work with my bowling and wanted to go off the attention a bit. It’s always nice if you can have some time with only yourself and the family, and not really listen to what the outside world has to say about you. I think that kind of a phase can actually help you at times. And I’ve done that in the past as well so it’s kind of a normal process which gives me that space to go deep and just be honest with myself and find out what I need to work on, and what I’m good at. That helps in gathering the confidence again and come back stronger,” he stated.

Fellow Saurashtra and RR pacer Chetan Sakariya recently made it to the Indian team. Unadkat was full of praise for Sakariya, terming him as a very honest guy who keeps working hard.

“He’s a very honest guy, keeps working hard for his game so it’s good to see him get rewarded. He’s been doing that for Saurashtra and now he did that for RR as well. So yes, really happy for him and I believe he’ll only learn and get better as he’s quite young.”

“Will be looking to get those crucial wickets”

Unadkat stated that he would maintain focus on keeping the rhythm going, in the upcoming IPL season in the UAE.

“I think I was bowling well and hopefully with the work that I’ve put in, I’ll be able to see those results coming out as well. I’ll be looking to get those crucial wickets and breakthroughs for the team with the new ball. Collectively, I think we’re placed right in the table and if we can get couple of wins from here, it can really boost our campaign this season.”