Unadkat should get a national call-up again: Karsan Ghavri
What's the story
Saurashtra coach Karsan Ghavri believes Jaydev Unadkat deserves a national call-up, owing to his recent performances in Ranji Trophy 2019-20. The left-arm seamer was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 67 wickets in 10 matches. Unadkat's spectacular bowling display helped Saurashtra clinch their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Saurashtra beat Bengal in the final on the basis of first innings lead. Here is more.
Quote
His consistency could be pivotal for India, says Ghavri
"I do feel Unadkat should get a national call-up again. He can bring the ball in and also take it away from the batsman. He is very consistent and can keep bowling in the same area," Ghavri told TOI on Saturday.
Record
Unadkat took 7 fifers and 3 four-fors this season
Jaydev Unadkat overhauled Karnataka's Dodda Ganesh (62) to become the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in a Ranji Trophy season. The overall tally is led by spinner Ashutosh Aman who snapped up 68 wickets in 2018-19 season and overtook the Indian legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Unadkat fell short of one wicket to break this record as he finished with 67 scalps to his name.
Twitter Post
Unadkat is the second highest wicket-taker in a Ranji season
Most wickets in a season in Ranji Trophy:
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 13, 2020
68 : Ashutosh Aman, 2018/19
67 : @JUnadkat, 2019/20*
64 : Bishan Bedi, 1974/75
62 : Dodda Ganesh, 1998/99
62 : Kanwaljit Singh, 1999/00#RanjiTrophy
Test cricket
Unadkat could reap dividends in Test cricket
According to Ghavri, Unadkat could well complement the incumbent Indian pace attack in Test cricket. "All our pacers are right-handed. A left-hander thus provides you a different option. A right-hand left-hand combination often unsettles batsmen," he said. Ghavri also feels that an added responsibility of leading the side has fetched him results. "He leads from the front and understands his role better," Ghavri stated.
Career
Will Unadkat be back in the mix?
Jaydev Unadkat made his international debut in a Test against South Africa on December 16, 2010 wherein he remained wicket-less and conceded 101 runs. He never got to play in the longest format thereafter. However, Unadkat also featured in seven ODIs and ten T20Is, having taken 8 and 14 wickets respectively. It remains to be seen whether he gets recalled in the Indian side.