Kedar Jadhav has shown he can fulfil the allrounder’s role: Sunil Gavaskar

33-year-old Kedar Jadhav made his international comeback after returning from an injury layoff. He is currently playing the ongoing Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has already made his mark with both bat and ball. In the first match against Hong Kong, he scored a useful 28 lower down the order but came into his own against Pakistan, this time with the leather.

He picked up the vital wickets of Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Shadab Khan to rock the Men in Green’s middle-order. He also conceded only 23 runs in his quota of nine overs. The spell turned out to be vicious enough to restrict Pakistan to 162 runs. In the meantime, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar reckons that Jadhav has the ability to fill in as the all-rounder.

“Kedar Jadhav has shown he can fulfil the allrounder’s role, like he did in the game against Pakistan as well as Hong Kong. Whether the opposition underrated his bowling or they get mesmerised by his various delivery points, he does a sterling job for his team and gives the extra option to the captain in case one of the main bowlers is having a hard day,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI).

Their efforts in the desert heat too have been heartwarming

Gavaskar also lauded the Indian batting for their impressive show thus far in the multi-nation event. “India will be mighty pleased with the return to form of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Getting off to a flying start makes the journey towards a big score eminently easier. [Ambati] Rayudu is looking in good touch too and his direct hit run-out of Shoaib Malik ensured Pakistan did not have a late flourish.

Albeit the Indian bowling strained against Hong Kong, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and others rattled the Pakistani batting without dropping much sweat. While praising India’s bowling lineup, Gavaskar also appreciated their efforts of playing in the hot and humid conditions in the UAE.

“Over the last year or so the Indian bowling attack has taken centre-stage and has shown its capability of picking wickets in any conditions. Their efforts in the desert heat too have been heartwarming,” the 69-year-old added.

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