Former India stumper Chandrakant Pandit has backed Kedar Jadhav to play a crucial role in the national team's campaign in the World Cup beginning in the UK on May 30. Pandit has tracked Jadhav's progress since his younger days, having coached the Maharashtra U-23 side.

"He [Kedar] has definitely has a lot of talent and what he has proved in the last couple of seasons that he is a utility player and the best part is that Virat Kohli has used him for his all-round ability and not only for batting. You think he is a part-time bowler, but he has been successful," said Pandit, who now coaches Vidarbha. Pandit said he always knew that Kedar had it in him to play at the highest level.