Indian cricketer in focus: Jaydev Unadkat - In the image of Zaheer Khan

His performances were once again very rewarding, he finished a highly successful season as the joint second highest wicket taker for RCB with 13 wickets, which included a career best of 5/25. His time with RCB can be described as one of the best things that could’ve happened to him.

Jaydev Unadkat blossomed under the tutelage of Zaheer Khan at RCB

Under the tutelage of Zaheer Khan, he improved immensely as a cricketer. He also thanked Zaheer for contributing so much to his career. Such is the modesty of this young man (the current crop of Indian youngsters are often viewed as ‘kids with arrogance’).

His call up to the national squad for the Zimbabwe tour is his god gifted second chance, a chance most players seldom come by. Maybe the fact that senior players opting out helped him, but it goes without saying that he deserves this selection. He can now rightfully claim his place in this precociously talented young side.

He recently said this on his selection for the Zimbabwe tour - “In the last couple of years I think I have done enough to believe that my time will come soon. I was never frustrated or disappointed when I was overlooked because I knew that I was moving in the right direction and my time will come. The others who are in the team today got their opportunity after some good performances in the domestic circuit.

“I was doing pretty well in the domestic circuit for the last two years. I have also done well in the IPL in the last few seasons. So instead of thinking when I will play for India again I was enjoying my journey. I have also started believing that it is important to have lot of good memories on the way. And that can happen only if you enjoy what you are doing.”

Saying those brave words requires tremendous courage and humility. The mere fact that he cherishes this opportunity shows how much he values his hard work, to not throw it away like he did in South Africa. His approach to the game is now much more mature. He understands the value of a good performance, and perform he will, say his mentors.

Whatever be the outcome of this tournament, it is true that India has well and truly found the heir to Zaheer Khan’s golden throne, and it is now up to them to guide it, to nurture it, to make it believe that it is here to stay. And it is up to Unadkat to continue this wonderful run and stamp his authority on this Indian outfit.