Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat who has been released from the Test squad to play in Ranji Trophy final wants to pay a perfect tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara on his 100th Test by winning the title.
"I was there when he made his Test debut, I was a part of the team as well. I don't see a lot of difference in his attitude and ethics. There can't be a better way to give him a tribute (than winning Ranji title)," Unadkat said on the eve of Ranji Trophy final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Unadkat said that the Saurashtra trio which includes Pujara and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have been following Saurashtra’s progress while on national camp.
“Even during our quarters and semis, we were following it keenly together. They wished the team all the luck. Hopefully we will make them proud with the cricket we play." Unadkat had inspired Saurashtra to the Ranji title three years back, winning against Bengal in Rajkot. This season, they have stamped their authority in white ball cricket as well, clinching the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day championships.
"Yes, we won the Vijay Hazare this year, but I feel this (Ranji title) would be a great tribute to him (Pujara), a player who has not only made Saurashtra but the nation proud. It will be the best tribute to give it to him," said the 31-year-old pacer.
"The inspiration that he has provided not just for Saurashtra, but millions of Indian fans... To stick to the basics, to be doing what he has been doing for the last 13 years is incredible."
Saurashtra have been dominant in the last decade as they made it into four finals in 10 seasons. Unadkat has had a big role to play in Saurashtra's success. He led the side to title in 2020 and with a record-breaking tally of 67 wickets in the season.
The left-arm pacer revealed the secret behind Saurashtra’s success.
"We only had three-four debutants in the last three-four years. Even if they had a lean patch we backed them, we had the belief. Credit goes to the guys. After I took up the captaincy in 2017-18 we had no fear of failure.
"This team is very close to my heart. When you start playing, you always dream of playing Ranji Trophy. That was my dream to play for Saurashtra. To play for the nation comes secondary, first you have to establish yourself as a Ranji Trophy player. That dream still lives strong."
Unadkat revealed that head coach Rahul Dravid backed Unadkat to play in the final.
"I was keen to get game time and the team management were equally keen. (Head coach) Rahul (Dravid) bhai wanted me to go out there and play, it was a mutual decision."
On being asked about whether he would prefer to represent the nation or his state, he said, “Playing a Ranji final in itself is a dream. I would rate both of them equal. Obviously playing for the nation everyone looks forward to. Hopefully, I will win the trophy and go back to the (national) team.”
