Experienced Indian left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat is geared up to showcase his bowling prowess on English soil once again. The veteran seamer is scheduled to depart for England later this week, where he will feature for Sussex in the remaining fixtures of the County Championship. This stint is being viewed as a crucial warm-up exercise for Unadkat ahead of the upcoming Indian domestic cricket season.
Second Stint with Sussex Following IPL Commitments
Having been associated with Sussex since 2023, Unadkat is currently under contract specifically for the County Championship red-ball matches. Red-ball action in England is presently on a pause as the domestic circuit turns its focus toward white-ball competitions, including The Hundred and the One-Day Cup. Unadkat will link up with the Sussex squad as soon as the County Championship proceedings resume.
Earlier in the year, Unadkat was unavailable for Sussex's opening matches owing to his participation in IPL 2026. He subsequently traveled to England in June to play two matches for the side before heading back to India. His second leg of the campaign will kick off on August 20, when Sussex face Warwickshire at the historic Edgbaston ground in Birmingham. Sussex still have six matches remaining in their current County Championship calendar.
Outstanding County Record and Preparation for Domestic Season
Reflecting on his return, Unadkat stated that heading back to county cricket offers ideal preparation ahead of the Indian domestic summer. Having represented Sussex over the past four seasons, he highlighted the value of bowling long spells in English conditions. During the previous season, his veteran Saurashtra teammate Cheteshwar Pujara was also part of the Sussex set-up alongside him.
Unadkat boasts an impressive bowling record in English county cricket. Across 13 County Championship appearances for Sussex, the paceman has taken 57 wickets at a stellar bowling average of 17.75 and a strike rate of 38.2, which includes one five-wicket haul. In the current season, Unadkat has picked up eight wickets across four innings in the two matches he has played so far.
Sussex Standing and Other Indian Stars in County Action
Led by English fast bowler Ollie Robinson, Sussex currently occupy fifth position in the County Championship Division One standings. Out of their eight matches played this season, Sussex have secured four victories, suffered two defeats, and drawn two games.
Unadkat is among a notable contingent of Indian cricketers participating in English domestic cricket this season. Leg-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Rahul Chahar are featuring for Nottinghamshire and Surrey respectively, while Kuldeep Yadav is representing Yorkshire in the One-Day Cup. Additionally, spinner Manav Suthar played two county matches for Warwickshire back in June. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar are expected to join their respective county teams for the final phase of the championship following the conclusion of India's tour of Sri Lanka.
