Kedar Jadhav is an Indian cricketer known for his gritty batting, handy off-spin bowling, and never-say-die attitude. Born on March 26, 1985, in Pune, Maharashtra, Kedar’s journey in cricket is a story of perseverance, hard work, and making the most of opportunities. Despite being a late bloomer in international cricket, he carved out a niche for himself as a reliable middle-order batsman and a useful part-time bowler.
Kedar made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in 2007 and quickly gained a reputation as a dependable batsman in domestic cricket. His consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments earned him a call-up to the Indian national team in 2014, when he was nearly 30 years old. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in November 2014, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he truly made his mark on the international stage.
One of Kedar’s most memorable performances came during the 2017 ODI series against England. In the first match of the series in Pune, he played a match-winning knock of 120 runs, forging a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli to help India chase down a daunting target of 351. His ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when needed made him a valuable asset in the middle order. He also contributed with his off-spin bowling, often breaking partnerships with his clever variations.
Kedar’s utility as a part-time bowler and his knack for playing crucial innings in pressure situations made him a regular member of India’s limited-overs squads for a few years. He was part of the Indian team that reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a few important cameos and bowled economical spells.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kedar has represented teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to finish games and chip in with the ball made him a useful player in the T20 format.
Off the field, Kedar is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He often speaks about the importance of hard work and self-belief, values that have defined his cricketing journey. Despite facing setbacks and being in and out of the team, he has always maintained a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
As of recent years, Kedar has been less active in international cricket but continues to play domestic cricket and contribute to his team’s success. His journey from being a domestic stalwart to representing India on the global stage is an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers, especially those who believe that it’s never too late to chase their dreams.
Kedar Jadhav’s story is a reminder that success in cricket (and life) isn’t always about early fame or natural talent—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and making the most of the opportunities that come your way. He remains a beloved figure in Indian cricket, admired for his fighting spirit and contributions to the game.
