'I feel for you, your time will come' - Jaydev Unadkat recalls R Ashwin's message during 2020-21 Australia tour

Jaydev Unadkat made his Test debut in 2010 at the age of 19 but has only has played one Test, seven ODIs and 10 T20Is for India, with his last international game for the team being in 2018.

The pacer had an excellent Ranji Trophy season in 2019-20 when he picked 67 wickets before the tournament was put to halt next year thanks to Covid-19 pandemic. The same has been the cases in 2021-22 as the tournament has already been delayed owing to the third wave of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the BCCI is currently working on resuming the major domestic event.

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Unadkat spoke on the current situation of domestic cricket and also revealed what the Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin had texted him during India's tour of Australia in 2020-21. He said when even the reserve players got a chance to play in the match but not him, Ashwin messaged and sympathized with him.

The pacer said, “On January 2, last year Ashwin Bhai texted me during the last Australia tour, where nearly every member of the squad, including the reserve bowlers, got a chance to play the four-Test series. He said: “I feel for you and the way you have performed in the last season. But be right where you are in terms of your game and your mindset. Your time will come.”

Jaydev Unadkat last played for India in the Nidahas Cup in 2018. In the four matches, Unadkat picked seven wickets at an economy close to 10. The tour was not the best for him, and he has not been selected in the team ever since.

“The last time I was in the Indian dressing room was during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy. The last time I went on tour with India A was in 2016. I’m not losing sleep thinking about the next India call-up, but I am holding my breath about returning to play red-ball cricket. Please make it happen!” he said.