Jaydev Unadkat: The Backbone of Sunrisers Hyderabad Amidst Cummins' Absence

Unadkat Steps Up for SRH

Daniel Vettori, the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), discussed the crucial role of veteran bowler Jaydev Unadkat, who is stepping in during Pat Cummins' absence due to a back injury. Vettori praised Unadkat as an "incredibly reliable bowler" and referred to him as a "rock" for the team while Cummins is sidelined.

Unadkat: A Key Player for SRH

In a pre-match press conference before SRH's game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Vettori emphasized Unadkat's dependability. He noted that Unadkat can bowl effectively at various stages of the match, which is vital given the high scoring in the IPL. Vettori stated, "Even if he doesn't start strong, we trust him in the middle and late overs. His extensive experience in the IPL makes him a cornerstone for us with Pat out."

Strong Performance in IPL 2026

Unadkat has showcased impressive performances in SRH's initial matches. In the opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he recorded figures of 1/29 in three overs. He followed this with a remarkable three-wicket haul, conceding only 21 runs in three overs against Kolkata Knight Riders.

A Valuable Asset Off the Field

Vettori highlighted that Ishan Kishan, the stand-in captain, utilizes Unadkat's expertise in various ways. His insights, particularly regarding Indian domestic players, make him an invaluable resource for teammates who may lack familiarity with these players. Vettori remarked, "Ishan has effectively used him in numerous capacities. His understanding of the game and domestic players is a significant asset for us, especially for those players the coaching staff may not know well."

SRH's Journey in IPL 2026

The SRH team began their IPL 2026 journey with a disappointing six-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, they rebounded strongly in their second match, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs. SRH is set to face the Lucknow Super Giants in their upcoming match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5.