Picked for India, Kedar Jadhav pays money for nets!

It happens only in India where a cricketer, who will be soon donning the national colours, is not being provided with a proper training facility in his own backyard and has to pay from his own pocket to get one.

The disappointment in Kedar Jadhav’s voice was palpable even as he got the news of his maiden call-up to the national team for the tour of Bangladesh next month.

‘I have represented Deccan Gymkhana Club in Pune for the past 14 years. Yet, they have refused to prepare a pitch so that I can have proper net sessions ahead of Bangladesh tour.

‘On Thursday, I have got India call-up, played for the ‘A’ team and IPL starting from this club. But I guess they are not happy with my progress,’ a dejected Jadhav said on Thursday. Asked how was he planning to train for the next two weeks before embarking on tour of Bangladesh, Kedar’s reply was even more surprising. 

‘I am paying a monthly fees of Rs 18,000 to 22-Yards cricket academy where there is a proper pitch. I don’t know how many cricketers who get selected for India get this treatment in their own state,’ a livid Jadhav said.

The 29-year-old, who was one of the better performers in Delhi Daredevils’ disastrous campaign, doesn’t hide his displeasure of not being given chance to bat higher up the order in the initial games. 

‘Actually, the logo on your chest matters!’ he said with sarcasm, adding: ‘If you have that India logo, you are bound to be taken more seriously. Hopefully, after I play for India, I will also get a chance to bat higher up the order in IPL. I would also like to get a chance to play more deliveries to showcase my abilities.’ Jadhav scored 1223 runs in Ranji Trophy this season.

Jadhav was always confident after the last season that the selectors will reward him for his good show. ‘I was confident I will play for India one day. My immediate goal is to do well and cement my place in the limited overs side. There are two aspects of representing the national side, playing for India and playing long enough for India. I want to play long enough for India. I want to stake a claim for the England ODIs also,’ said Jadhav.