Rajasthan Royals (RR), who is all set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the upcoming 11th edition of the IPL 2018 after a span of two years, weighted heavy expectations on the most costly Indian buy left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat.
The Jaipur franchise has spent Rs 12.5 crore on Unadkat during the IPL Auction 2018 to acquire his services in their returning season. He was the second most expensive buy at IPL auctions after England’s Ben Stokes, who was brought by RR for a whopping 12.5 Crore.
In the last IPL season, Unadkat picked up 24 wickets at an average of 13.42 and finished as the second highest wicket-taker after Bhuvneshwar Kumar who has 26 wickets to his name.
It is obvious that there will be a lot of expectations and pressure on Unadkat and former Indian leg-spinner and RR bowling Coach Sairaj Bahutule said that he and his good run of form will be crucial for the side.
Bahutule told Indian Express, “Definitely, I think his form and everybody’s form in the bowling unit will be crucial. It all depends on how everybody revolves around the key bowlers, that’s what I always feel. The pressure is not only going to be on Jaydev but also on the other fast bowlers and spinners. But he is definitely an important bowler for us; he had a good domestic season. For him to bowl well and take wickets, other guys also have to chip in and create pressure .I hope the spinners will play that part.”
Commenting on Spinners at the Royals troop, Bahutule said, “Yes, we have inexperienced spinners in our ranks but at the same time, they have been bowling competently and have been very successful in the domestic format. Likes of K Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal have done extremely well. Over the years, spinners have performed admirably for RR.
For instance, when Pravin Tambe came in, nobody knew much about him but he evolved. This is the best part of being with the Royals. So I am sure this year, spinners will respond well to the situation and lift their game from here on.”
He is also excited to work with Australian legend Shane Warne, who was roped in as RR head coach for the IPL 2018.
Bahutule signed off by saying, “Warne will bring a lot of experience to the table and having been a part of the Royals’ outfit before, and he knows the pulse of the team. He is a good motivator in his own way. I am looking forward to meeting him and can’t wait for the tournament to begin.”
