IPL 2017: Jaydev Unadkat feels blessed to have Steven Smith, MS Dhoni in Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS)

Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat has had brilliant season of Indian Premier League (IPL). In 11 matches so far, Unadkat has picked 22 wickets at 13.77, including a five-wicket haul. Following his impressive run in the tournament, Unadkat, ahead of the IPL 2017 final, expressed that he is blessed to have players such as captain Steven Smith and MS Dhoni in the team. He has been RPS skipper’s go-to man in the entire season, and will be eager to finish on a high by winning the title. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: RPS vs TBC, Final

Speaking to India Today, Unadkat said, “I have grown in confidence from doing well. The first game was important and I kept going well from there. I became the captain’s go-to-man in pressure situations and I am enjoying that. I also feel fortunate to get that opportunity. It will be great to finish on high.”

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This is the second time Unadkat has played 10 matches in one season. The last time he played more than 10 games was in 2013 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but did not have as good as the current edition of the tournament. Talking about the improvement, Unadkat said that he worked on slower ones. “My slower ones have worked well. I did not get enough game time in the past two seasons, but I got it this time and I was happy to have played a crucial role in the team’s victory.”

Talking about the senior players such as Smith and Dhoni in the side, Unadkat stated, “Steve Smith and MS Dhoni have been brilliant. Both leaders have been great for their countries. We have been blessed to have them around.”

The final will be played on Sunday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, but their counterpart in that encounter will be decided by the winning side of second qualifier between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.