Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat has dedicated the team’s Ranji Trophy 2022-23 triumph to India batter Cheteshwar Pujara, hailing him as one of the region’s favourite sons.
The just-concluded Delhi Test between India and Australia marked Pujara’s 100th appearance in the longest format of the game.
In his milestone match, Pujara hit the winning runs as India won the Delhi Test by six wickets to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“Like I’d said before it’s a fitting tribute to one of Saurashtra’s favourite sons, Chintu (Pujara’s nickname). He played his 100th Test for India against Australia in Delhi, but he was equally eager, wishing us all throughout,” Unadkat said.
Pujara became only the 13th Indian to play 100 Tests or more. He made his debut in 2010 and has amassed 7052 runs at an average of 44.08 with 19 hundreds.
Jaydev Unadkat returned a match haul of nine wickets as Saurashtra defeated Bengal by nine wickets in the final to clinch their second Ranji Trophy title on Sunday (February 19).
Commenting on the latest triumph, Unadkat said “this decade and era belongs” to Saurashtra.
“It was important to win this one to prove the dominance and to show everyone that this era, the decade belongs to Saurashtra,” the left-arm pacer told reporters.
“Three trophies in three years proves that we have been doing a lot of things right. We have set a tone, I’m really proud what this team has achieved.”
The 31-year-old was part of the Indian squad for the ongoing home Test series against Australia. However, he was “granted” permission to play the Ranji final.
“At the moment, I feel that my body is in a good shape. The ball is coming out nicely off the hand. I’m able to bowl long spells which is crucial.”
Unadkat also expressed his desire to create a legacy for Saurashtra.
“It’s not just about winning trophies, but creating a legacy for our team which will leave a bigger impact on cricket in the region. Our goal will be to carry forward this legacy for at least 3-4 years till the core of our team is intact.”
Saurashtra's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph was in 2019-20 season under Unadkat’s captaincy when they defeated Bengal on the basis of first innings lead.
“A lot of guys said the wickets suited us better, but that wasn’t the case.
“All the credit to the guys for showing such dominance in a crucial game like the final. It’s not easy. There’s always pressure on everyone to win the final.”
Bengal’s first innings folded for 174 after Unadkat won the toss and opted to bowl first.
“With all talks about bowling lineup that they have not given more than 348 in the tournament, it’s a great statement (by our batters) to achieve that in a game like final.
“We bowled in the right areas to start with, better than their bowlers a lot of times. Batters showed more composure and resilience. we won a lot more sessions than them, that’s why we came out on top.”
Unadkat further said Saurashtra handled the situation more calmly despite playing the final in Bengal’s home den – Eden Gardens.
“There was more calmness in our dressing room. They wanted to win it very eagerly, as it was at Eden. It happened to us as well while playing in Rajkot.
“So the calmness and composure was the difference both in batting and bowling. We had that little bit of five per cent advantage,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
