Ranji Trophy | Our batsmen are much more confident when Cheteshwar is around, reveals Jaydev Unadkat

In the past decade or so, the rise of the Saurashtra team has been absolutely commendable as, since 2012-13, they have reached three Ranji Trophy finals. But they have failed to win any of them and skipper Jaydev Unadkat believes that the talent and potential are there to make the records straight this time around. He is also happy that arguably Saurashtra's best batsman Cheteshwar Pujara will be available for the team right from the beginning of the season as he will play his next Test for India in February next year. 

“Our batsmen are much more confident when Cheteshwar is around. It is a huge plus to have him from the beginning, not just as a player but also for the kind of inputs he provides. The guys are in high spirits,” Unadkat told Sportstar.

Four-day cricket is one of the strong points for Saurashtra cricket and as well begun is half done, Unadkat is looking forward to starting the season properly through a 10-day camp that will help the players get back to full fitness and help them find their mojo.

“If you try and do well from the start of the season, it helps. People can slowly settle down and get used to the format. We have a balanced squad,” he asserted.

Pujara is also expected to join the squad by December 8 and help the younger players in getting geared up for the big Ranji season that lies ahead. Saurashtra will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign this season against Himachal Pradesh at Dharamsala.