For the remainder of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Kedar Jadhav said he is happy to be back with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Jadhav was added to the team by RCB to replace David Wiley, who suffered a toe injury during the current IPL. In his 17 games for the RCB in 2016 and 2017, Jadhav amassed 311 runs at an average of 23.92 and a strike rate of 142.66.
Jadhav expressed his surprise at being chosen for the RCB team and said he was happy to be working with the organization again. He thanked the support staff for providing him the chance and vowed to do his absolute best for the squad.
I was really astonished, but in a good way. In a video posted by RCB, Jadhav said, “I am really thrilled and want to thank the support personnel for providing me this opportunity to join the team and make sure I provide my 110 per cent.
The all-rounder continued his explanation of how he rejoined the squad after speaking with RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar. He claimed that when he was conducting commentary, Bangar called and asked about his fitness. He responded that the coach had promised to call back and that he was in a good position.
“Sanjay Bhai called while I was working on commentary and inquired about my activities. I acknowledged that I was commenting. When he asked if I was still practicing, I said yes and that I did so twice a week. Bangar then inquired about my level of fitness, to which I replied that I frequented the gym and even used the one in my hotel.
I basically informed him that I was in great shape. He stated he will call me back after asking a time. I knew at that point that he would call and ask me to play for RCB, Jadhav continued.
After taking a year off, I realized I was losing my passion: Jadhav
After taking a year off, the 38-year-old batsman claimed he returned to first-class cricket and realized he was losing his enthusiasm. He said that he had not lost his appetite from his early 20s. He was very impressive during the just-completed Ranji Trophy and wants to continue that performance for RCB.
“I took a year off, but after that I realized I was losing my passion, and when I got back into first-class cricket, I had no trouble at all. Sincerity dictates that it was my experience. I thought I could now return and play again at all levels because I had the same desire to score huge runs as I had in my early 20s, and I was ready for it because I had always played well.
