Kedar Jadhav: "The fire to do well in cricket burns bright in me"

Kedar Jadhav is a middle-order batsman for Delhi Daredevils. He plays for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. His triple ton against UP last year was rewarded and he was selected in the probables list of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy.

Q. How did the domestic season go for you?A. It was a superb season for me over in all the formats. The turning point was when I played against UP which consisted of quality bowlers and I scored a triple hundred. It was then when I knew that the season ahead is going to be solid for me.

Q. How different is IPL from Ranji? Which format do you like better?A. IPL is a great platform to compete with ace cricketers all over the world, and to play with and against them. One gets to learn a lot in terms of technique and strategies. Ranji Trophy is the most important tournament in the domestic circuit and most of the players gain prominence after performing well in it. However, because of my batting style, I prefer playing one days and T-20.

Q.You play for DD. Is it frustrating sitting on the bench sometimes?A. Not at all. I am surrounded by international players and an experienced coaching staff which helps me learn. Luckily, I am playing in the eleven and doing well. I keep myself prepared whether I am playing or not.

Q. Does DD have a X-factor they can boast of?A. Virender Sehwag without doubt is our trump. Also David Warner is one of our main dynamic batsman.

Q. DD lost a very close match to CSK in the last encounter. What is the atmosphere in the dressing room like?A. We are obviously disappointed as we weren’t able to put up a good show. CSK outdid us in all the departments. Unfortunately, things haven’t turned out in our favour so far. We have lost some really close matches. However, we are keeping our motivation levels high and learning from our mistakes.

Q. Do you think there is still a chance for DD to make it to the top four?A. With the amount of quality players we have, we can certainly make it to the play-offs. But we have made it difficult by losing a few close games. We are trying our best to get back on track. It’s going to be a very difficult task for us, but cricket is an unpredictable game and there is always scope of turning things around.

Q. What keeps you motivated?A. My passion for the game keeps me going. Cricket has been my first love since I was young and the fire to do well in it still burns bright.

Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses in the game?A. My self-belief is my strength. I practise very hard on every aspect of my game whether its batting, fielding or bowling.

Q.You are in the probables list of the Champions Trophy. Are you happy with your inclusion?A. Well, it’s always good to see hard work being recognized and rewarded. As a cricketer, I always try to perform to the optimum level. Selections are something which are not in our control; however, when we are selected, it gives us more encouragement and confidence.