Jaydev Unadkat signs two-year contract extension with Sussex till 2026
Indian left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat will return to play for Sussex until 2026 after signing a two-year contract extension. The 32-year-old joined the county side at the back end of the 2023 County Championship season, picking up an incredible 15 wickets in three outings.
Unadkat returned for the final five games of the 2024 Championship season and did wonders once again. The left-armer scalped 22 wickets at an average under 15 to help Sussex finish atop the Division Two standings.
In a statement released by Sussex Cricket, head coach Paul Farbrace said:
"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."
Jaydev Unadkat will also be available for the final run-in in both the 2025 and 2026 County Championship seasons.
"I would like to thank Farby and everyone in the team, for making me feel like I belong here" - Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat thanked Sussex head coach Paul Frabrace and the others associated with the county side for making him feel at home over the past two seasons.
The veteran pacer is leading Saurashtra in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy that started today (October 11). Undadkat scored a valuable 49-ball 21 in Saurashtra's ongoing first innings against Tamil Nadu, where they have been bundled out for 203 runs in 77 overs.
"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," said Unadkat.
He added:
"I had a fabulous time with the boys, on our way to winning the Div 2 title, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Sussex, including our passionate fans. I can’t wait to be back for the next season and further!"
Jaydev Unadkat has played 22 matches for India across all formats since his international debut in 2010, picking up 26 wickets. His last apprearance for India came in last year's tour of the West Indies.