Around a month before Kedar Jadhav got a call-up for the three-match ODI series in Bangladesh, he had realised he was in contention to wear the Indian team’s jersey. An exceptional Ranji Trophy season had placed him firmly under the selectors’ gaze; his ability in limited-overs cricket had already been proven over years.
“There’s more pressure in the IPL but to play for India, it’s important to do well in all formats. Pitches in domestic matches have been testing for batsmen too recently. I have done well in the previous seasons of the IPL. I hope to get a chance soon,” said Jadhav midway through the ongoing IPL campaign.
His prayers have been finally answered. Despite being 29, Jadhav’s age hasn’t been held against him. When a batsman scores 1,223 runs, including six centuries, in a Ranji Trophy season, there’s not much scope for arguing against his selection.
Exceptional talent “He is an exceptionally talented batsman, the traditional kind. He is very gifted when it comes to shot-making. He is innovative when it comes to exploring angle to play his shots and he is a brilliant timer of the ball. All his runs for Maharashtra last season were pivotal and I expect him to excel on genuine seaming tracks. He has a strong defensive screen,” said former National selector Surendra Bhave, also Jadhav’s mentor.
Bhave saw Jadhav crack a double century in a preparatory match in Pune five years ago. “He was so dominating. It struck me that this was a batsman with the right mould. He attacked with such flair. I stood justified when he helped Maharashtra beat Mumbai (in Ranji trophy last year). The way he saw off a cracker of a spell from Zaheer Khan was superb,” Bhave remembered.
An impressive display for the abysmal Delhi Daredevils only seemed to elevate his standing. Employed as a finisher by the franchise, Jadhav feels he would be comfortable in a similar role for the national side.
“I would like to bat higher up but I have done well as a finisher for Maharashtra and India ‘A’ in the past. I have an attacking approach to batting.
Even in first class cricket, I have a high strike rate (66.45). It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first ball or the last. I always go for my shots,” opines the Pune cricketer.
Jadhav’s ability has been harnessed by myriad experiences over the past year.
While Bhave was a pillar of strength at the regional level, the IPL experience brought greater confidence and learning to the batsman. Among the various influences, the opportunity to bat with Jean-Paul Duminy had a significant impact on Jadhav.
“Duminy is an international-level finisher. While batting with him, I noticed that pressure has little bearing on the shots he plays. I learnt how to remain calm in tough situations. But Bhave Sir has been the guiding spirit. He taught me the importance of defence and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He stood by me in my difficult times.”
