Umesh Yadav hopes Rajneesh Gurbani plays for India

Indian speedster Umesh Yadav has heaped praises on Vidarbha bowler Rajneesh Gurbani who was the star in his team’s victory over Karnataka in the semifinal of the ongoing Ranji Trophy. They are set to lock horns with Delhi who have made it to the finals after 10 long years for the title clash. Umesh was also part of Vidarbha in the game and played a crucial role in the first innings. However, he has hoped that the young Rajneesh plays for India soon following his heroics in the first-class season this year.

Gurbani was the chief tormentor of the opposition as he scalped 12 wickets in the match and turned the game on its head in the second innings especially. He also achieved the best figures in his career 7/68 while defending 198 against a star-studded batting line-up. This was his fifth consecutive five-wicket haul and would love to continue in the same vein the final against Delhi. Gurbani would want to concentrate on the big game later this month and the results will follow for the youngster.

Umesh’s advice to Gurbani

Umesh Yadav was delighted that he also played a part in his team’s victory by picking five wickets in the game but hailed Rajneesh Gurbani who shone with flying colours. “He has been bowling really well in recent times. This was his fifth five-wicket haul and in the final, he will do well I am sure. My best wishes will be with him always. I wish he becomes the second player from Vidarbha to make it to the Indian team,” he was quoted as saying by IANS.

Yadav also revealed that he advised him to stay relaxed during the tense moments of the match which Vidarbha eventually won by just 5 runs. During those tense moments, I was telling him to stay calm and not get anxious. He was the main bowler and we needed him to relax. The responsibility was on me to keep him calm being the senior pro. I told him not to think about the runs. In the final, the team does not need my advice. They have been doing well and I hope they will make a good match,” Umesh added.

Umesh Yadav will not feature in the final on December 29 as he will travel with the Indian team just before that for the gruelling tour of South Africa which will commence on January 5.