Can't wait to join the team that has ruled IPL over the years: Jaydev Undakat

Jaydev Unadkat would be hoping to have a memorable season as he gets set to don the Mumbai Indians (MI) jersey for the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that gets underway on March 26.  The left-arm pacer was roped in by MI for INR 1.3 crore at the two-day mega auction in Bengaluru last month. Prior to joining Mumbai, he had represented Rajasthan Royals in the previous four seasons.

Ahead of the upcoming edition of the marquee tournament, the 30-year-old has expressed his excitement to be a part of the five-time champions and, at the same time, he also said that he is looking forward to working in tandem with India as well as Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

I’m pretty happy that I was picked by the Mumbai Indians: Jaydev Unadkat

“I am really excited for this season, to join this team that has ruled the IPL over the years. When it started, it was nervy because my name was last in the fast bowler’s lot. So, it was tricky, but I’m pretty happy that I was picked by the Mumbai Indians”, said Unadkat in a video shared by MI on their IG handle.

“I am looking forward to working with Bondy (Shane Bond) and obviously, Zak Bhai (Zaheer Khan), who has been an inspiration since the start of my career. Obviously, bowling with Boom (Jasprit Bumrah) out there in the middle will be something that I’ll really look forward to”, he added.

Jaydev Unadkat has registered 85 scalps to his name from 86 IPL appearances at an average of 30.44 and an economy rate of 8.74. The Gujarat cricketer had a forgettable 2021 season where he could only manage four wickets from six outings at an average of 42 and an economy rate of 7.63, as a result of which he was released by the Royals just months before the mega auction. The tall pacer would be hoping to make the ball do the talking this time around.

After having rebuilt their squad, the Mumbai Indians will be eyeing a record sixth IPL crown this year. They will begin their IPL 2022 campaign against the Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 27.