The 31-year-old left-arm medium is playing his second Test after a gap of 12 years. India played 118 Tests since he made his Test debut
Jaydev Unadkat with wife Rinny
Jaydev Unadkat’s inclusion in the India playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh surprised many including the player’s family in Gujarat.
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The final XI was revealed at the toss by stand-in captain KL Rahul. The 31-year-old left-arm medium is playing his second Test after a gap of 12 years. India played 118 Tests since he made his Test debut (against South Africa at Centurion on December 16, 2010).
“Yes, it was a very pleasant surprise. We heard this sudden news only after watching TV in the morning,” said the pace bowler’s wife Rinny from Rajkot.
“My in-laws are more emotional than me. My wait has only been two years whereas they have waited for 12 years,” she added.
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Interestingly, Rinny is an advocate but has stopped practising. “I left this profession after our marriage and now I am a complete housewife. Yes, it would have been the icing on the cake if I had traveled with the team to Bangladesh. But the final XI is only decided on the day of the match or a day prior. I am sure he will miss me when I am not around,” she added.
Jaydev’s father, Dipak, echoed his daughter-in-law’s view: “Jaydev’s inclusion was surprising, but we are not nervous. Having bowled well on the domestic circuit, we are sure he will perform to the best of his ability.”
Interestingly, head coach Rahul Dravid’s signed team sheet displayed Unadkat’s jersey as No. 61 instead of 91.