Ravindra Jadeja, Jaidev Unadkat & Cheteshwar Pujara turned out against Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, and August 1, 2013, will always find special mention in the record books of Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA). Not because India beat hosts Zimbabwe by nine wickets on Thursday and registered their fourth win in as many matches. But, probably for the first time, three Saurashtra cricketers were part of the playing eleven.
Ravindra Jadeja, Jaydev Unadkat and Cheteshwar Pujara were part of the playing eleven.
For the first time in SCA history, three players have managed to play in one match. “It’s certainly a big day for us. This will encourage more youngsters to give their best,” said Jaydev Shah, captain of the Saurashtra team.
Pujara, who has 13 Tests under his belt, made his One-day International debut on Thursday. It was a big day for run-making machine Pujara, who has proved his credentials in the limited format of the game in domestic tournaments, but was waiting for an international opportunity. “Due to a strong batting middle order, he was missing the bus.
But now he has and, we expect a lot from him,” said SCA president Bharat Shah.
Pujara opened the innings with Rohit Sharma but was not able to impress on his first ODI outing. He made 13 before TL Chatara cut short his presence on the 22-yard strip.
Unadkat, on the other hand, has been impressive on his comeback trail. Part of the India Test team earlier, he had been dumped for his poor performance with the ball.
“Jaydev has matured a lot. It is reflected in his bowling, especially his control over swing. He is certainly going to be an asset. Moreover, the selection is not an overnight affair or based on their three matches, but on what they have accomplished in the last three seasons,” remarked Shah. Unadkat picked up one wicket.
Jadeja, on the other hand, has been shaping up as the captain’s main weapon. After MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, too, has used Jadeja well. The left-arm spinner picked up two wickets and effected one run-out.
“Ravindra has been fantastic for the past six months in India, England and now Zimbabwe. Besides bowling, his batting has improved, too. Only, he needs to be more consistent. It won’t be easy. But, considering his experience, the ball is in his court,” said Bimal Jadeja, the former captain of Saurashtra.
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