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Kedar Jadhav, in an emotional announcement on his social media accounts, has bid farewell to all forms of cricket, marking the end of a career that began with promise and witnessed memorable moments. Making his debut for India in June 2014 against Bangladesh in an ODI series, Jadhav quickly established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman. Over the course of his international journey, he featured in 73 ODIs, accumulating 1389 runs at an impressive average of 42.09. His consistent performances included six half-centuries and two centuries, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings effectively. However, his last appearance for the national team came on February 8, 2020, marking the end of his international career.
Although Jadhav's T20 career was relatively brief, spanning just nine matches, he displayed glimpses of his talent with the bat. In the six T20I innings he played, he managed to score 122 runs at an average of 20.33, with a highest score of 58 runs. Additionally, he contributed as a handy bowler in the middle overs, claiming 27 wickets in ODIs, proving his versatility on the field.
Despite his contributions, Jadhav found himself on the sidelines as newer talents emerged, including the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel, who offered different dimensions to the team. As the team dynamics shifted, Jadhav gracefully accepted his role and decided to step away from the game, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and determination.
Regarded as a natural fit for the fast-paced T20 format, Jadhav's prowess was evident from his performances in domestic cricket. His T20 credentials earned him a spot in the Delhi Daredevils squad for the Indian Premier League 2008-09 season, where he immediately caught attention with a scintillating 50 off just 29 balls, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demanding nature of the format. Subsequently, he was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016, further solidifying his presence in the IPL arena.
While representing India, Jadhav etched his name in the annals of cricketing history with a memorable century against Zimbabwe during India's tour in 2015, highlighting his capability to deliver on the international stage. Despite a brief hiatus, he returned to the national squad for the Zimbabwe tour in 2016, although he didn't get the opportunity to bat throughout the series. However, it was during the five-match ODI series against New Zealand later that year that he truly showcased his potential as a key contributor. Additionally, he was a vital member of India's squad for the prestigious Champions Trophy in 2017, further underscoring his significance in the team setup.