Kumar Sangakkara wanted me to start afresh: Jaydev Unadkat opens up about IPL journey, India comeback chances

Saurashtra fast bowler Jaydev Unadkt, who has not played a Test for India since his debut in 2010, is not looking too much into continuous snubs but is hopeful of returning to the senior national team.

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat said he had a chat with newly-appointed Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara before the IPL 2021 season and the former Sri Lanka captain had outlined plans for him, asking him to start afresh. Unadkat was in his fourth season with the Royals but the Saurashtra pacer said he was asked to reset his goals and be the wicket-taker for the side in the powerplay overs. The left-arm pacer was retained by the Royals for the 2021 season and he did well, picking up 4 wickets, including a 3-wicket haul, in as many matches before IPL 2021 was suspended. Unadkat was a strong contender for the Purple Cap in the 2017 season wherein he finished with 24 wickets while playing for Rising Pune Supergiant. He was bought for Rs 11.50 crore by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2018 auction but the price tag pressure weighed heavily on him. Unadkat managed just 25 wickets over the last 3 seasons. He was released by the Royals before IPL 2020 and was bought back for Rs 3 crore.