Unadkat is one of the most successful bowlers in domestic cricket despite being sidelined by the selectors at the national level. Cricket, whose names are some incredible figures.
After failing to find a place in the second string squad for the Sri Lanka tour in July, the 29-year-old, who entered the record books after becoming the highest wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, reacted on social media From an emotional post announcing the ‘detox’ and vowing to ‘focus more on your game and work even harder’.
Back in action for Rajasthan Royals for the second leg of the IPL in the United Arab Emirates, the Saurashtra bowler is vouching for himself and waiting to bring out the ‘better version’ of his craft.
Wake me up when September starts. #IPL2021 | #Hallabol | #RoyalsFamily | #IPLFixtures https://t.co/2CrGOCNtGO
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 1627221221000
Interview excerpts:
When you decided to turn on your ‘social media detox mode’, apparently it was your way of showing dismay at being overlooked by the national selectors…
I don’t know where the idea came from, but it had nothing to do with the selection. I wanted to do some work on my bowling. I think it’s always good if you can only spend some time with yourself and family, and not really listen to the outside world.
This was a normal procedure that I sometimes do when I need it. It gives me space to be honest with myself and figure out what I need to work on and find out what I’m good at. It helps me regain confidence and come back stronger.
How did you use that period of two months? Do you think the break has served your purpose?
I was at home in Rajkot during this period after the first leg and worked on some technicalities in my bowling. I used the time to make some changes to my work, and I think I did well to improve myself and get used to all the new changes. I want to continue the momentum from the first leg of the tournament where I felt I was bowling well, and hopefully with the work I have done, I will be able to see more positive results.
What changes are you talking about?
I’ll implement those changes and show them on the field, and you can see it in the matches when I get a chance to play.
Do you feel somewhere that performance is not the only thing in domestic cricket, and you have to play your IPL to make sure that everyone takes care of you?
I think performances, be it in IPL or domestic (cricket), count somewhere. Having said that I am no longer selected, if I look at where I stand now, I think I need to be a little more consistent. So it means that even though I do really well in domestic cricket, I need to maintain that form in IPL and make it beautiful, if I may say so.
I got a lot of positive messages from a lot of people in the cricket fraternity who matter and whose voice is heard above all. Hence the importance of domestic cricket will always remain.
The home season will follow after the second phase of IPL 2021. Have you set a goal for yourself?
Of course, playing in the IPL is always exciting, and it feels like a new season, joining the boys after a hiatus of almost five months. I want to push my performance in the first phase. I felt that I am in good shape and I am doing well in whatever opportunities I get.
Like the start of every season, I have set myself some goals but I want to take it match by match and don’t look too ahead of myself. The home season is obviously important for my team as well, and I am really looking forward to contributing for Saurashtra and winning matches so that we can come a long way.
Four years with the Royals. How do you see your journey with them?
I think I have had a great relationship with the Royals and after playing here for so many years, it feels like family to me. Whenever I come back to join the boys, I feel really excited. We have had ups and downs along the way, but I have really enjoyed every minute of it.
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