Kedar Jadhav

IND
IND
Batsman
Batsman
Kedar Jadhav

Player Bio

Kedar Jadhav is a talented Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself with his impressive performances in limited-overs cricket. Known for his ability to score quickly and improvise, Jadhav is a valuable asset to any team he plays for. His unorthodox style of play coupled with his maturity under pressure makes him an exciting player to watch. In this profile, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Kedar Jadhav.

Early Life and Background

Kedar Mahadev Jadhav was born on March 26, 1985, in Pune, India. He comes from a middle-class family originally from Jadhavwadi in Madha, Solapur district. His father Mahadev Jadhav worked as a clerk with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board. Jadhav is the youngest of four children and grew up playing cricket on the streets with his siblings and friends.

Jadhav's family recognized his talent early on and supported him in pursuing cricket as a career. He played for local clubs and schools in Pune before making it to the Maharashtra Under-19 team.

Despite showing promise as a batsman early on, Jadhav struggled with consistency and had to work hard to establish himself in domestic cricket.

Rise to Prominence

Jadhav's breakthrough performance came in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season where he scored 1,223 runs, including six centuries, which helped Maharashtra reach the final of the tournament.

Jadhav's consistent performances earned him a spot in India's ODI squad against Sri Lanka in November 2014. He made an immediate impact by scoring 20 runs off just six balls on his debut.

Over the years, Jadhav has become an integral part of India's limited-overs setup, thanks to his impressive performances. He played a vital role in India's successful campaign in the Champions Trophy 2017, where they finished as runners-up.

Jadhav has also been a part of India's World Cup squad in 2019.

Cricketing Career

Jadhav is known for his unique batting style which involves using unconventional shots and improvisation. He is a right-handed batsman who can score quickly and adapt to different match situations.

Jadhav made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka on November 16, 2014. Since then, he has played 73 ODIs for India, scoring more than 1389 runs at an average of over 42.

In January 2017, Jadhav scored an ODI century against England in Pune. He scored an unbeaten 120 off just 76 balls and was named Player of the Series.

Jadhav has also contributed with the ball in hand, taking important wickets with his right-arm off-spin. He has taken more than two wickets in an innings five times in ODIs.

Apart from international cricket, Jadhav is also a regular participant in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has played for multiple teams including Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings.

In the IPL 2021 auction Jadhav was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad but went unsold during the IPL auction in 2022.

Major Tournaments and Series 

Kedar Jadhav has been a crucial part of the Indian cricket team in major tournaments and series over the years. He made his debut for India in limited-overs cricket in 2014 and soon became a regular member of the squad. Since then, he has played in several ICC tournaments, including World Cups, Champions Trophy, and World T20.

Jadhav's most notable performance came in the 2018 Asia Cup final against Bangladesh. In a nerve-wracking encounter, he contributed with both bat and ball to help India win the title for the seventh time. His unbeaten knock of 23 runs off 27 balls proved to be crucial as India chased down a target of 222 runs.

In the Champions Trophy 2017, Jadhav played a vital role in India's campaign. He scored two important half-centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group-stage matches to take India into the final. Although they lost to Pakistan in the final, Jadhav's contributions were highly appreciated.

Apart from ICC tournaments, Jadhav has also performed well in other major series against top opponents. Against England in early 2017, he played an exceptional innings of 120 runs off just 76 balls to guide India to victory and was awarded Player of the Series for his outstanding performance.

In IPL, Jadhav has represented several teams such as Delhi Daredevils, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. While playing for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018 season he suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out of IPL but later returned with an impressive performance that helped CSK win matches.

Playing Role and Skills

Kedar Jadhav is a right-handed batsman who can score quickly and improvise. He primarily plays as a middle-order batsman who can finish the innings with power-hitting. Jadhav's batting style is unique, and he has developed innovative shots like the 'helicopter shot' made famous by his former Chennai Super Kings teammate, MS Dhoni.

Jadhav's off-spin bowling is another valuable asset to the team. He has an unorthodox slingy action that often surprises the opposition batsmen and takes crucial wickets. Jadhav also occasionally keeps wickets in limited-overs cricket.

Jadhav's strengths lie in his ability to play under pressure situations. He has a good temperament and can rotate the strike well during the middle overs of an inning. His quick reflexes and excellent timing allow him to hit boundaries easily, making him a dangerous batsman in any situation.

However, Jadhav's weakness lies in his inconsistency with the bat sometimes. Despite being a valuable finisher, he tends to throw his wicket away at crucial moments, which causes frustration for fans and teammates alike.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona 

Kedar Jadhav is known for his calm demeanour on and off the field. He maintains a low profile but exudes confidence when required. Despite being criticised for his sluggish fielding at times, he remains focused on improving himself continuously.

Jadhav was ranked seventh in The Times of India's Top 20 Most Desirable Men of Maharashtra in 2017, demonstrating his popularity among fans.

Kedar Jadhav is a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team with his all-round skills. His unique playing style and temperament make him a favourite among fans. Though his international career seems uncertain due to age and lack of recent performances, he remains an integral part of IPL teams and hopes to stage a comeback in the national team soon.

Legacy and Impact

Kedar Jadhav may not have a long international career, but he has left an indelible mark on the limited-overs game. He is known for his fearless approach and ability to pull off improbable chases. His innovative stroke-making has inspired many young cricketers to expand their scoring zones and look for new ways to keep the scoreboard ticking. Jadhav's determination and nerves of steel under pressure have made him a valuable asset in any team.

Jadhav's 2017 century against England in Pune is considered a classic, as he scored 120 runs off just 76 balls, overshadowing Virat Kohli's masterclass at the other end. It was a knock that showcased his full range of shots, from conventional drives to audacious scoops over the wicket keeper's head. Jadhav was awarded the Player of the Series for his performances in that series.

Jadhav's reinvention as a limited-overs finisher has paved the way for other cricketers like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant to follow suit. His slingy off-spin action has also provided Indian teams with an additional bowling option that can take crucial wickets in the middle overs.

Recognition and Awards

Kedar Jadhav has been an integral part of India's ODI team since 2016, but he hasn't won any major awards or captained his country yet.

Kedar Jadhav started as a promising batsman with solid technique but then reinvented himself as a limited-overs finisher who could win matches single-handedly. While his international career may seem uncertain due to his age and lack of recent performances, his contributions to Indian cricket cannot be denied. Jadhav has shown that with hard work and determination, it's possible to overcome initial setbacks and emerge as a successful player.

His legacy will be defined by his ability to think outside the box and innovate in terms of strokeplay. He is a role model for young cricketers looking to expand their game and push boundaries. Kedar Jadhav will always be remembered as an exciting cricketer who could turn the game on its head with his fearless approach.

FAQs
When did Kedar Jadhav make his ODI debut?
Kedar Jadhav made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka on November 16, 2014.
How many centuries has Kedhar Jadhav scored in International cricket?
Kedhar Jadhav has scored 2 centuries in International cricket. 
What is Kedar Jadhav's playing style?
Kedar Jadhav is a right-handed batsman who can score quickly and improvise. He also bowls off-spin with a slingy action.
Which IPL team does Kedar Jadhav currently play for?
Kedar Jadhav went unsold in the 2022 IPL auctions but was previously part of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
How has Kedar Jadhav influenced cricket?
Kedar Jadhav has influenced cricket through his innovative stroke play and ability to reinvent himself as a limited-overs finisher, inspiring other cricketers to follow suit and expand their scoring zones.