Jadhav's journey from a keeper-batsman to part-time spinner

Kedar Jadhav has played as a wicket-keeper batsman in 23 of his 51 matches in the Indian Premier League. The 31-year old attacking batsman donned a different role in India’s victory in the first ODI against New Zealand in Dharamsala.

A part-time off-spinner Jadhav claimed two crucial wickets to heap more misery on the Kiwis.

On his new role with the Indian team Jadhav said, "When you play for India, you have to contribute in every possible way you can.

"In the IPL, I did it by keeping wickets. Here, I am doing with my bowling. I have been working on my bowling in domestic cricket too. I got two wickets and my bowling was also quite economical (2.00). I am very happy with my bowling performance."

After wickets of Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santer, Jadhav is now looking to add more to his tally and share the load of the bowling group.

"When the captain wins the toss and elects to bowl first, it is the responsibility of the bowlers to respond to his call and make sure that he has made the right decision. That is what we did in the last game and are now looking forward to the next game,” he told BCCI.tv

Known for his aggression and innovative strokeplay, Jadhav aims to cement a permanent place in the mighty Indian batting order.

"Basically, I have been playing a lot of tennis ball cricket and in that you don’t have much time as those are just six and eight-over games. You have to hit every ball; you can’t take time to settle down. My aim is to convert every ball into scoring opportunities,” he said.

The 31-year-old who captains Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy said having Dhoni’s backing has boosted his confidence.

"When a team is playing a typical brand of cricket, which is attacking as both the captains (Virat Kohli in Tests and MS Dhoni in ODIs) are very aggressive,it suits me.

"The captain backs me both with the bat and ball and you geta tremendous amount of confidence. It makes your life easier in the middle. The chance of you not performing then is very less,” he said. 

Courtesy: BCCI