'JD, you are a part of the XI and…’ - Jaydev Unadkat revealed Rahul Dravid’s priceless talk before India comeback

Jaydev Unadkat made headlines when team India selectors selected him for the Test series in Bangladesh in December 2022. However, he got the opportunity to play in the last and second Test of the series. Unadkat made a comeback in a comeback to the Indian team after a long gap of 12 years.

He replaced the injured Shami in the Test squad. Speaking of his performance, he managed to take three wickets in that match. Eventually, the Men in Blue won the series 2-0 and ended 2022 on a high. Now, he opened up about a talk with the team India head coach, Rahul Dravid before that comeback.

"Everyone congratulated me, saying that it was well deserved.” - Jaydev Unadkat

While talking to ESPNCricinfo, Jaydev Unadkat revealed the talk he had with Rahul Dravid before that comeback. He said: "Everyone congratulated me, saying that it was well deserved. And even though it was repetitive I still felt a little sense of pride every time I heard that, that you deserve this call-up.” 

“On the day when the Test was starting, Rahul bhai told me in the morning: 'JD, you are a part of the XI. And this is probably one of the most well-deserved call-ups that you have got. Be very, very proud of it and enjoy your time out there in the middle.' It was just a 30-second talk," Unadkat added.   

"Chetan bhai called me and said, you don't have to go to the Ranji Trophy game, you will have to join the Test squad. It was a simple call where he just told me that I'd have to pack my bags for Dhaka. I was just thankful at that moment. I went into that trance mode, where everything becomes blurry and you just sort of enjoy the moment. We were in a car and I was with Rinny , my sister, and my brother-in-law, so there were screams and joy and ecstasy, which made it even more special,” Jaydev Unadkat concluded.