Out-of-favour India star extends contract with Sussex for County Championship on 2-year deal ahead of Test series against New Zealand

File Photo: India's Jaydev Unadkat (C) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Bangladesh's Zakir Hasan during 2nd Test against Bangladesh. (Getty)
File Photo: India's Jaydev Unadkat (C) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Bangladesh's Zakir Hasan during 2nd Test against Bangladesh. (Getty)

Highlights:

Jaydev Unadkat's Sussex contract has been extended for County Championship.

Unadkat has returned to Sussex and signed a two-year deal with them.

Indian fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat has extended his contract with Sussex County Cricket Club, signing a two-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026 season. Unadkat joined Sussex in the second half of the 2023 season and made an immediate impact, taking 15 wickets in just three matches. He played a crucial role in Sussex's Division Two title win in 2024, taking 22 wickets at an impressive average of 14.40.

Jaydev Unadkat returns to Sussex to sign two-year deal

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace expressed his delight at Unadkat's return, praising him as "one of the most popular and nicest guys" in the team. The club is excited to have Unadkat back for the next two seasons and expects him to continue making significant contributions.

“Everyone at Hove is very pleased and excited that Jaydev has signed a two-year extension and will be returning to the Club for the next two seasons. Jaydev’s quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for,” Farbrace said in a statement.

Jaydev Unadkat expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Sussex, stating that he feels confident about his performance there. He also referred to Hove as his "home away from home."

“When I came to Hove last year, I wasn’t sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it. But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart! For that, I would like to thank Farby and everyone in the team, for making me feel like I belong here,” Unadkat said, as quoted by India Today.

Jaydev Unadkat has established himself as a formidable bowler in domestic first-class cricket. Since his debut in 2010, he has claimed 425 wickets in 119 matches. Despite his impressive domestic record, Unadkat has only had limited opportunities at the international level, representing India in just four Test matches. In those four appearances, he has managed to take only three wickets.