A prolific run-scorer, Kedar Jadhav was a key performer in Maharashtra’s run-up to the final during the Ranji Trophy 2013-14 season. The batsman amassed 1223 runs from 11 matches at an average 87.35, inclusive of six centuries and two half-centuries in the bygone season of the prestigious tournament which earned him the Madhavrao Scindia Award for being the highest scorer in the Ranji Trophy 2013-14. Speaking to bcci.tv on the momentous occasion, Jadhav spoke about the magnitude of the honour of receiving the award and his game. The 29-year old big-hitting batsman credited coach Surendra Bhave’s guidance for his performance which also earned him a call-up to the national side. Jadhav hopes to be a better finisher of the game and rued the missed chance when he had the opportunity to finish a game on his ODI debut. While hoping to rectify the same when he gets an opportunity again, he also looks forward to continue performing for his state side. Excerpts from the interview: What does the award and recognition bestowed on you mean to you? It feels good. It is a huge thing for not only me but every domestic player when his performance is recognised especially on a platform such as the BCCI annual awards. This award is a huge inspiration for one’s performance. How do you see Maharashtra's march to the top and your role in it? I enjoyed the role and the responsibility I had last year. I was the senior batsman. Every inning, we could bat according to the situation and to have scored over 1200 runs (1223) was really immense. I am really happy, but if we would have won the Ranji Trophy it would have been even more momentous and of historic magnitude. But unfortunately that didn’t happen. This is a team game and one person winning the game single-handedly for a team is rare. We didn’t play that well in the final and so we lost. What was your role and responsibility as a senior besides being scoring runs? Basically, when I am at the ground, I think like a captain even if I am not one. I think about how to set up wickets for my bowlers (plan for wickets); how to keep the fielders involved in the game throughout the day. These are my responsibilities as a senior cricketer for Maharashtra. Your performances led to opportunity in the IPL and selection in the national squad, so what difference has that made? When I got my first opportunity in the IPL as part of the Delhi Daredevils, I scored a half century in the first game. That was the time I realised I can play international cricket and I can represent India in especially the white-ball format. IPL is a good stage for any domestic cricketer to know what they are good at and whether they are capable of playing for the country. When I did play for India last week it was a dream come true. Thanks to my parents’ blessings it could be done. I am happy. I was part of the tour to Bangladesh also but unfortunately didn’t get a game there. Then I went with the India A team to Australia and could perform well there. I knew then that now I would get more opportunities but unfortunately I fractured my wrist while playing football so that possible opportunity was delayed. But am happy that now I have played one game and obviously I hope that I would get more in the future. I need to keep playing the way I have been doing. So what are you working on now? When I scored runs in Australia, I even had an unbeaten knock to my name. But, that didn’t take the team across the line which is something I regret. In my debut match too I had an opportunity to finish the game but I got out. Finishing games for my side is one area that I want to improve on. I want to finish matches, remain not out and return to the dressing room. For that, I will have to curb my shots I think. Even if I am hitting boundaries and sixes, sometimes you can increase your longevity in the middle by taking singles in a particular innings. When there is need for you to hit, you do so. But I have realised that I am hitting in every inning which is something that I need to adjust according to the conditions in the middle. Being a key performer for your side last season how do you see your role evolving? For Maharashtra I have to do the same that I have been doing so far, score big runs and build partnerships with whoever is batting with me. And to become a good elite division team we will have to compete well with whichever team we face-off against. Maharashtra was a side that either played extremely well or caved in. There is no doubt that we play extremely well but when we lose we have to lose with more dignity. Competing well is something we have to work on. Whose guidance has helped you the most? Especially if I talk about Maharashtra, Surendra Bhave - our Ranji Trophy coach last year has played a big role in my achievements. After Under-19 level there aren’t that many coaches in Pune. Whenever I would go to him he has guided me and has done so while reading my mindset really well. I am happy that I had such an experienced coach.