Jaidev Unadkat is Wasim Akram’s ward

He’s arguably the best swing bowler the game has ever seen, and Wasim Akram is now sharing his knowledge with many youngsters who are willing to learn. Ask Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma.

Jaidev Unadkat is the latest to join that list of ‘students’. On Thursday, the young seamer from Saurashtra, who represents Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League, was seen obediently listening to Akram. The Lahore-born former Pakistan captain is the bowling consultant of the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team.

Akram’s presence in the KKR dugout has certainly boosted the morale of the bowlers. And Unadkat can only agree.

“Yes, my confidence has gone up. I have learnt a few tricks of the trade from Wasim sir,” the left-arm pacer said.
Akram went to the extent of bowling a few deliveries to get the point across. And believe it or not, the 43-year-old — who has over 900 international wickets to his name — displayed the same rhythm and enthusiasm which made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era.

Unadkat says he was not able to control his out-swingers. “Akram sir taught me how to control it. In the last couple of weeks, I have been able to check my swing by adjusting my wrist position.”
Undakat also talked about the emphasis Akram lays on net sessions in the run-up to a game.

“He makes sure we don’t err during net sessions. Mistakes, if any, are rectified then and there,” said Unadkat, who was part of the India U-19 World Cup squad.