'Really happy to be back here, Hove is my second home' - Jaydev Unadkat joins Sussex after Duleep Trophy snub

Indian pacer Jaydev Unadka will be seen next playing for Sussex County Cricket Club for the final leg of the ongoing County Championship. The left-arm seamer was overlooked for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

The BCCI selection panel recently announced the squads for the Duleep Trophy and Unadkat's name was absent from any of the four teams selected. However, the seasoned pacer has found a bright side in this setback, as he has yet again linked up with Sussex. The 32-year-old who has a strong connection with England, expressed his delight in returning to his "second home" of Hove.

“I’m really happy to be back here. Hove is my second home. The team’s been doing fantastic this season and, hopefully, in the second leg of the season, we’re going to pull it through and get back in division one, where we belong. Cheers," Unadkat said in a video message on social media.

Good to be back! 👊🏼🦈 https://t.co/Rd2x8SBB6S

— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) August 21, 2024

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We are all delighted that Jaydev is returning: Paul Farbrace

This will be Jaydev Unadkat's second stint with Sussex, having earlier played four matches for the county and taken 11 wickets. His most impressive performance came against Leicestershire, where he recorded figures of 6/94 in the second innings, helping Sussex clinch a 15-run victory.

Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace is delighted to get Unadkat back in the squad. Farbrace shared the last time when the Indian pacer was in the Sussex dressing room he shared his valuable knowledge with the other teammates.

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"We are all delighted that Jaydev is returning to the 1st Central County Ground for the final five championship matches of the coming season. Jaydev lived up to the expectation that not only would he show his class on the field, but he would also be a fantastic person and be part of what we are all trying to achieve. Jaydev is a lovely guy who did everything he could to help our players and share his fantastic knowledge,” he said.

Unadkat leads the Saurashtra side and has featured in 114 first-class matches and taken 403 wickets which includes 23 five-wicket hauls. He has also played for India in all three formats and last played a Test match against West Indies in 2023.