Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)’s Kedar Jadhav recently revealed about his conversation with head coach Sanjay Bangar, which led to his return to the team. Jadhav was brought in to replace David Wiley, who suffered a toe injury in RCB’s 21-run loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 26.
The 38-year-old played 17 matches for RCB in 2016 and 2017, scoring 311 runs at an average of 23.92 and a strike rate of 142.66.
Jadhav explained how he was contacted by RCB on the franchise’s social media profile, saying:
“I was doing commentary and Sanjay Bhai called me asking what are you doing, I said I am doing commentary, he said are you practising and I said yeah, twice a week I am practicing, so he asked fitness wise and I said gym and all I am doing in my hotel so I am in shape. He said give me some time, I’ll call you back. That moment only I realized that he is about to call me and tell me that I want you to come and play for RCB.”
Jadhav was also surprised to get selected for RCB again:
“Absolutely surprised, but a pleasant surprise, very exciting opportunity so I wanted to thank the support staff for giving me this opportunity to join the team and make sure I give my 110 percent.”
Kedar Jadhav played in 93 IPL matches with five different franchises. He has 1,196 runs scored at a 22.15 average and a strike rate of 123.17.
“When I’ve prepared for it, I’ve always performed well” – Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav impressed in the recently completed Ranji Trophy, prompting his comeback to the IPL after a two-year sabbatical.
He scored 555 runs at an amazing average of 92.50 in four matches for Maharastra, including two century and two half-centuries.
Jadhav discussed his comeback to domestic cricket and his desire to succeed. He stated:
“I took a break for an year but then I realised that I was missing my passion and when I came back in first class cricket, I found it very easy to be honest because of all the experience I have, the hunger was there which was in the early 20’s, the hunger to score big runs was there and that’s when I felt I can now come back and play again at all the levels and when I’ve prepared for it, I’ve always performed well.”
Kedar Jadhav was a key member of India’s white-ball setup till 2020. He has played in 73 ODIs and 9 T20Is.
He has outstanding ODI figures, averaging 42.09 with a strike rate of 101, and decent T20I figures, averaging 20.33 with a strike rate of 123.33.
This season, RCB’s middle order has struggled, putting a large pressure on Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell to do the bulk of the scoring. They’re expecting Jadhav’s inclusion would help them solve their middle-order problems.
On Saturday, May 6, RCB will face the Delhi Capitals in Delhi.