'I told the selectors that whatever match is there, let me play': Umesh Yadav

When India kicked off with the 2nd Test against South Africa, everyone was shocked by the team selection of the hosts. Virat Kohli picked the unfavourable Indian speedster, Umesh Yadav, ahead of in-form batsman Hanuman Vihari. With new opener Rohit Sharma in the team, India should have gone with an extra-batsman but that was not the case.

Vihari who only plays in Tests in the national squad is having a decent run with the bat. He has got 466 international runs at an average of 42.4 in his 7 appearances. But, Umesh has always been found under the criticism for his inconsistency with line and length because of which he has been kept in and out of the team.

By going against all the odds, Indian speedster shut his critics with his superb bowling against Proteas. He grabbed a total of six wickets that included the top-order batsmen Theunis de Bruyn, Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar in the first innings. Later, he dismantled the batting line up with his brilliant pace and swing.

Umesh Yadav looks positive about his comeback in Team India

After the match, he looked positive and recited that the competition in the team is helping him out to improve in every aspect of his bowling, “I know that there is a lot of competition in the team so whoever comes in has to do well. I knew that it was important I do well if I get a chance. The way we are winning matches, you have to have the mindset to grab your chances. I was confident coming into the match because the last time I played in India I got 10 wickets in the match. If there is doubt in the mind, it’s not possible to perform well. It all went well for me,” Umesh said.

He also recalled the situation when he was dropped from the team ahead of West Indies tour and said he didn’t stop with his competitive practice and asked the selectors to make him play whatever practice match is scheduled, “When I didn’t play in the West Indies, selectors put me in India A team for South Africa A series. But when there is a big gap with ODIs, T20s being played, I told the selectors that whatever match is there, let me play as match practice is very important for me,” he added.

The 31-year-old speedster has played in 42 Tests, 75 ODIs and 7 T20Is and managed to get as many as 200 international wickets.

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