India v New Zealand 2nd Test – India Predicted XI

Umesh Yadav:

Umesh Yadav has the pace and knows how to swing the ball. He had a restricted role in the first Test as the pacers were just required for an initial burst of overs and once spinners took on they were deployed only after the ball was old and looked good enough to reverse swing. Kohli has always backed Umesh since he is the fastest bowler in the Indian ranks and its time he matures into the role, knows what he is expected to do and delivers for the team’s cause.

He drew first blood at Kanpur but didn’t have any success thereafter. The Eden Gardens wicket won’t turn from day one and that’s why him bowling well becomes even more important. Umesh has Mohammad Shami for company at the other end and both of them are blessed with the attribute of pace. All he needs to do is execute the plans and ruffle up the Kiwis early on.