Any fan of Indian cricket over the years would know how important an all-rounder’s role has been for the team. Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya have all been slotted as all-rounders in the squad over the past few years, but one player who seems to be growing more and more into that role off late is Kedar Jadhav.
The Pune-based batsman/bowler is now one considered a serious threat by opposition, thanks to his uncanny knack of picking up important wickets in the middle of their innings. Here’s a story of how he got to the highest stage:
Humble beginnings:
Kedar Jadhav was never really one for studies. His father was a clerk in the Maharashtra State Electricity Board and Jadhav had three elder sisters. Though he was the youngest, he was never really the brightest and this resulted in him stepping down from studies in the ninth grade itself. Hailing from Madha in Solapur district, this turn of events was not really met with open arms by his parents but Jadhav believed in his ability and talent.
He represented a local club in Pune and played hard until he was able to secure a place in the state’s U-19 team. His hard work at the Gymkhana club did not go unnoticed as he started plundering runs and scored his first triple century in 2012.
Ten years of hard work:
Kedar Jadhav churned out consistent performances for the team but never really got noticed. His efforts were match-winning but never glorified. Even then, he never lost hope and let his performances do the talking.
Kedar Jadhav’s moment finally came in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy, where he smashed a brilliant 1,223 runs complete with six centuries. His effort meant he was the highest run-scorer in that season and the fourth highest run getter of all time.
After ten years, he was finally getting his due. Jadhav was selected in the squad to face Bangladesh in 2014 but did not get to play a match. Even here, he did not complain and waited until another opportunity presented itself. And it did. After making his debut against the Lankans, Jadhav finally scored big – His first century in international cricket coming against Zimbabwe, as he hit 105 in 87 balls.
A star in the making?
Jadhav knows that he only has a limited time in the squad considering his age factor and the immense competition for spots in the team. So what does he do? He improves his bowling. Jadhav has gone on to become a superb partnership breaker for the Indian team, with his slow, unorthodox drifters picking up important wickets.
Most tellingly, in the match against South Africa in the Champions Trophy, Jadhav provided the breakthrough that allowed India to capitalise and win the match.
Kedar Jadhav’s strength lies in his simplicity. He never lets pressure get to him and only performs in the simplest manner possible. In the series against England last year, he was able to belt a century at more than a run a ball, because he only picked the bad balls. Similarly, he only bowled a consistent line that allowed him to pick all these wickets.
Indian fans must enjoy the diminutive all-rounder as he is a player who will come only once in a generation. Jadhav deserves all the success coming his way and is a real inspiration to all those aspiring for the underdog.
By Rohit Nair
