As the Indian cricket team performs impressively as a unit in the ongoing Asia Cup, several Indian cricketer’s who have been left out of the national squad have been leaving their mark on English soil. Let’s take a closer look at some of these standout performances by Indian cricketers in county cricket this week.
Indian Cricketer’s in County Cricket:
Table of Contents
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Quest for Redemption:
Cheteshwar Pujara, a stalwart of the Indian team, has been grappling with a dip in form. However, his resolve to return to the Indian team remains unshaken. Playing for Sussex, he faced off against Leicestershire but didn’t have a great outing, scoring 26 runs in the first innings and 23 runs in the second innings. Despite this setback, Pujara’s experience and dedication to the game make him a significant asset to the Indian team.
Pujara, the Indian cricketer, has played 103 Test matches for India. He is one of the most experienced players in the format for India. However, after a disappointing performance against Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship, he was dropped from the team. Following the departure of Rahul Dravid, Pujara has been the constant number three batsman in the Indian Test team for a long period.
In his Test career, Pujara has batted in 176 innings, accumulating a total of 7,195 runs at an average of 43.61.
Jaydev Unadkat’s Spectacular Performance:
One of the standout performances of the week comes from Jaydev Unadkat, who is currently representing Sussex in the county championship. Unadkat displayed his bowling prowess by taking a total of 9 wickets against Leicestershire, with 3 wickets in the first innings and an impressive 6 wickets in the second innings. Unadkat’s exceptional performance demonstrates his determination to make a comeback to the Indian team.
Jaydev Unadkat, the Indian cricketer, has played a total of four Test matches, eight One Day Internationals (ODIs), and ten Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India. His Test debut came in December 2010 against South Africa. He played just one Test match before being dropped from the Indian team.
After a long gap of more than a decade, Jaydev Unadkat got another opportunity to represent India in Test cricket. He was part of the Test squad against the West Indies in the recent past. However, during this period, he also played several T20Is and ODIs for the national team, showcasing his versatility across different formats of the game.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s Spin Magic:
Controversy about Yuzvendra Chahal is going on at the moment. Many former Indian cricketers are very angry that Chahal was not included on the World Cup team. Chahal himself is disappointed not to get a chance in the Indian squad for the World Cup 2023. The leg-spinner is also not named in the Indian cricket team that is going to play Asian Games 2023. As a result, there was no chance to play the match in front of him at this moment. So Yuzvendra Chahal did not want to leave after getting the opportunity to play county cricket.
The county cricket scene has also witnessed the artistry of Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who currently plays for Kent. Chahal spun the ball masterfully, taking 3 wickets while conceding 63 runs in the first innings and 2 wickets for 43 runs in the second innings against Nottinghamshire. His ability to deceive batsmen with his spin continues to be impressive, keeping him in the conversation for a national team return.
Yuzvendra Chahal has represented the country in 72 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 20 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). But he has not had the opportunity to play a Test match as of now. In the ODI format, he has taken 121 wickets for the country. Also, as a leg-spinner, Chahal has secured an impressive tally of 96 wickets in T20 cricket for India.
Jayant Yadav’s Consistency:
Jayant Yadav, a seasoned Indian spinner, delivered a standout performance for Lancashire, taking 5 wickets for 131 runs. While his chances of returning to the Indian team might appear slim, his consistent performances in county cricket are a testament to his skill and determination. He has been representing Middlesex in the County Championship.
Jayant Yadav, an Indian cricketer, has featured in a total of six Test matches and two One Day Internationals (ODIs) representing the country. His Test debut took place against England in 2016, a series in which he left a significant mark. During that Test series, Jayant Yadav not only showcased his bowling prowess but also displayed his batting prowess by scoring a century against England. His best bowling performance in Test cricket came against New Zealand, where he claimed four wickets for just 49 runs.
This right-arm off-spinner is not only a formidable bowler but also a capable batsman, making him a valuable all-rounder. However, his journey in the Indian cricket team has been hindered by the presence of a legend like Ravichandran Ashwin. Jayant Yadav, like many other Indian cricketers, finds himself to be a talented player born in an era with fierce competition, making it challenging to secure a permanent spot in the team.
Karun Nair’s Resilience:
Karun Nair, another Indian cricketer who has faced limited opportunities in the national team, has been showcasing his resilience on the cricket field. Despite uncertain prospects of returning to the Indian team, Nair continues to play with determination. In a recent match against Warwickshire, he impressed by scoring 78 runs.
Karun Nair, renowned for his historic 300-run milestone in the Test debut series, is arguably one of India’s unluckiest cricketers. Despite his remarkable achievement of scoring 300 runs in a Test match for the country, Karun Nair found himself dropped from the team. His incredible feat occurred during the third Test of the series against England in 2016, marking just his third Test appearance. He is the second Indian cricketer after Virender Sehwag, who scored 300 in test cricket.
At that point, Karun Nair was considered as the future of middle-order batting in Indian cricket. However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse as he never received another opportunity to represent India in Test cricket after his sixth Test.
The disappointment came when Ajinkya Rahane returned from injury, resulting in Karun Nair being axed from the team. Despite his consistent performances, including a monumental 300, he was continuously overlooked. Surprisingly, even in the England 2018 Test series, he remained part of the squad, while a comparatively average batsman like Hanuma Vihari got the chance to play Test matches for India.
Many observers and enthusiasts of Indian cricket believe that the then-captain Virat Kohli, coach Ravi Shastri, and chief selector MSK Prasad bore the primary responsibility for Karun Nair’s prolonged absence from Test cricket. This was particularly frustrating as Karun Nair consistently demonstrated his prowess, not only in the IPL but also in domestic cricket. In summary, Karun Nair’s cricketing journey is a poignant tale, making him one of the most tragic cricketers in Indian cricket history.
READ MORE: Kuldeep Yadav broke Anil Kumal’s record
Conclusion:
In a week filled with remarkable performances, these Indian cricketer‘s in county cricket have not only displayed their talent but also their unwavering commitment to the game. While the road to a national team comeback may be challenging for some of these Indian cricketer’s, their dedication and consistent performances continue to keep the dream alive. As they shine in county cricket, they serve as a reminder of the depth of talent in Indian cricket and the enduring spirit of those who aspire to wear the Indian jersey once again.