Just days after being retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026, left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat rewrote domestic cricket history books. The 33-year-old became the leading wicket-taker in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) history, surpassing Siddharth Kaul’s long-standing record.
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SRH : The Record-Breaking Moment
Playing for Saurashtra against Delhi at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on November 30, Unadkat dismissed Delhi captain Nitish Rana for 76 to claim his 121st SMAT wicket. This historic achievement came on his home ground, where he’s been instrumental in Saurashtra’s domestic dominance over the years.
SMAT’s All-Time Leading Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaydev Unadkat | 121 | 83 |
| 2 | Siddharth Kaul | 120 | 87 |
| 3 | Piyush Chawla | 113 | – |
| 4 | Lukman Meriwala | 108 | – |
| 5 | Chama Milind | 107 | – |
Source: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Why This Record Matters
Unadkat’s achievement showcases remarkable consistency in domestic cricket’s shortest format. With an economy rate of just 6.79, he’s proven to be both a wicket-taker and a containment specialist—qualities that make him invaluable in T20 cricket.
While Kaul finished with 120 wickets at an average of 18.25, Unadkat has maintained exceptional control throughout his SMAT career. Among the top five wicket-takers, only Hyderabad’s Chama Milind remains active alongside him.
The Match That Made History
In the match where Unadkat created history, Delhi posted a challenging 207/4, powered by Rana’s 76 and Yash Dhull’s 47. Despite Unadkat’s milestone, Saurashtra fell short at 197/6, with Delhi’s Suyash Sharma delivering match-winning figures of 3/20.
From IPL Doubts to Domestic Dominance
Unadkat’s journey exemplifies perseverance in Indian cricket. Despite facing scrutiny over his IPL performances, he’s remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket. His recent retention by SRH ahead of the IPL 2026 auction validates his experience and skill in the shortest format.
For fans following IPL 2025 season, Unadkat’s domestic form signals he could play a crucial role for the Sunrisers in the upcoming tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Jaydev Unadkat’s record in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Unadkat now holds 121 wickets in 83 SMAT matches with an economy rate of 6.79, making him the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker. He overtook Siddharth Kaul’s previous record of 120 wickets.
Q: Has Jaydev Unadkat been retained for IPL 2026?
Yes, Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Unadkat ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, recognizing his value as an experienced domestic performer and left-arm pace option.
