Kohli's backing has done wonders to Umesh Yadav's self-belief, thinks Javagal Srinath

From playing in the Plate League of the Ranji Trophy to becoming India’s premier fast bowler, Umesh Yadav’s ascent is one to remember. He can move the ball both ways, bowls at a consistent pace over 140kph, and can be skiddy even on subcontinent pitches. He made his debut in 2010, but only caught the eye of the cricket loving country, in the truest sense, over the last few years. His evolution as a bowler has been most evident under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.

Seven years, 33 Tests and 70 ODIs hence, he has earned the respect of various pundits, and Javagal Srinath and Subroto Banerjee are among is those. In an interview, they praised the pacer’s transformation. Yadav now plays ahead of experienced Ishant Sharma, versatile Mohammed Shami, or even the world No.3 in the International Cricket Council rankings, Ravichandran Ashwin. He played 12 out of 13 matches in the home season and scalped 30 wickets on surfaces ideally suited for spinners.

What Srinath had to say

The former Indian pacer who is known for sharing one trait with Yadav- not compromising on speed, emphasized that despite the fact that Yadav is yet to get his 100th Test wicket after playing 34 matches, he is an asset to the team.

“In modern times, it’s challenging for a fast bowler to be relevant in all formats. It is indeed laudable that of all the formats, he is prioritizing Test cricket. What is significant is what kind of contribution one is making (in victory), how many top-order wickets one is getting, how often one is breaking a dangerous-looking partnership,” he said while talking to Livemint.

Vidarbha coach speaks

Subroto Banerjee, the head coach of Vidarbha and one of the few people Yadav takes suggestions and guidance from, on the comparison about Yadav and Srinath pointed out some more similarities apart from their numbers and their speeds.

“Though Srinath was a different kind of bowler, both have quick arm rotation action. Besides, Umesh is a natural fast bowler and even if he bowls from a shorter run-up, his pace will not get affected,” he said. “He has become smarter in the last one-and-a-half years. His implementation (of strategy) is superb. It is obvious that (captain Virat) Kohli backs him and it has done wonders to his self-belief,” Banerjee added.

Umesh’s belief stands strong

In a recent interview to Bcci.tv, Yadav emphasized on his goal of being a genuine fast bowler. While it is evident that Kohli backs him, Umesh’s belief in himself has been very evident too. Many pundits relate his natural fitness and smooth bowling action to his impressive performance throughout the long home season.

“I always wanted to bowl fast so I will not compromise on pace. I knew (from the beginning) there were a lot of bowlers who could bowl in the 130-135 kmph bracket. I knew you would be called different if you could bowl every ball at 140 kmph and you would eventually get a chance,” Umesh said.