(AP Photo)
Ahead of his upcoming participation in the County Championship with Sussex, Indian fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat shared insights into his experience as a County player in an interview with Times of India.
Reflecting on his stint, Unadkat mentioned that while players are provided with accommodations and transportation, they are responsible for managing everything else, which he found contributed significantly to his self-reliance.
“When we are playing in India, we have liaison officers who take care of everything. But while playing county cricket in the UK, while you are given a flat to stay in and a car to drive around, you have to take care of everything else on your own. From living on my own to making my breakfast and doing my laundry, staying there taught me to be self-dependent.”
“It’s a different experience altogether and I enjoyed every bit of it. I like to cook and enjoy the process. While I can’t make the regular roti-sabji, I love to experiment in the kitchen and make some interesting dishes.”
However, an X user misquoted his comments by selectively omitting some of his words and posted them on X.
“Jaydev Unadkat said “While playing county cricket in the UK, you have to take care of everything on your own. From living on my own to making my breakfast and doing my laundry, staying there taught me to be self-dependent. It’s a different experience altogether. You are only given a flat to stay in and a car to drive around.”
Following his remarks, Jaydev Unadkat faced considerable criticism on social media, with questions raised about his perceived privilege of receiving housing and transportation facilities in the United Kingdom.
Jaydev Unadkat hits back at journalist for his comments
Jaydev Unadkat promptly clarified that the journalist had not quoted his entire statement and responded sternly to critics, urging them to read the complete article before passing judgment. Emphasizing his unwavering commitment to cricket, he reaffirmed that his focus remains squarely on the sport.
“Hey @Sports_Himanshu, while you may already know but choose to ignore, there is a difference between.. “..you are ONLY given a car & a flat” (your statement) And “while playing in the UK, while you are given a flat & a car..” (my statement).
“And to the people who are educating me over your tweet or your try to get max ‘reach’, try reading the actual article for once, to get a perspective. That will definitely help you understand the facts, if at all that’s on your priority list. And by the way, I cook & do laundry at my home here too. And cricket is always a priority, no matter where I play. Cheers.”
