Unadkat elated by the new-found spirit in Saurashtra’s batting

Unadkat.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Craned necks from watching the ball repeatedly sail over the boundary has been common for Saurashtra’s last two opponents in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At the Emerald Heights International School ground on Sunday, Baroda was at the receiving end as the Jaydev Unadkat-led side thumped 20 sixes on way to its record total of 266 for six. At the Holkar Stadium on Tuesday, Saurashtra’s free-spirited batters took it to 235 for five against Tamil Nadu.

These displays have extended Saurashtra’s run to four wins on the trot. As skipper, Unadkat is understandably pleased particularly given that this is a predominantly young batting unit.

“The results do show a lot of things. It’s the way we have set up this young team. There have been two or three debuts this season and the guys who have come in have been given the message of playing with freedom,” Unadkat told The Hindu on Tuesday. “The intent has been really positive from ball one. That’s what we were missing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy until this season. There is a lot of calibre in the young guys who have come in. I hope they go from strength to strength. I am there to give them all the freedom they want.”

Commendable bowling

Apart from deriving immense satisfaction from watching his batters plunder plenty of runs, Unadkat, who is approaching 200 T20 appearances, is also ensuring that his performances with the ball reflect his vast experience in the domestic circuit. On some flat tracks where batters are further emboldened by the small boundaries, the left-arm pacer’s economy of 7.4 in six matches is commendable.

“I’m in a really good space at the moment as a bowler,” the 33-year-old said. “I am looking to bank on the strengths I have and bowl in pressure situations. That’s when I need to step up. If it comes from me, obviously the other guys will follow.”