The competition for places in the Indian national team has never been so fierce. The depth the Indian team possesses in virtually all departments of the team has seen many who domestic performers continue waiting for opportunities in the team. One such player is Umesh Yadav who has shown tremendous development over the past few months but is still only a part of India’s Test squad.
Speaking to timesofindia.com, Yadav admitted being desperate about making a return to white-ball cricket. “I am desperate to play white-ball cricket,” he said having last played an ODI for the Men in Blue against West Indies in October 2018.
National team caps have been rare for Umesh, who remains in the mix when it comes to the longest format but has fallen out of favour when it comes to T20Is and ODIs. When the question of being content with the current role came, Umesh said that he doesn’t like seeing himself not being a part of the national team.
“Who wants to sit outside the ground? I am also human. I am working really hard and am very eager to play white-ball cricket again. I got the chance in the 2015 World Cup. I was happy to perform well for my country. I was disappointed when I was not included in the 2019 World Cup. Be it T20Is or ODIs, I eagerly want to make a comeback,” he said.
Umesh is expected to be a part of India’s Test squad for the 2-match series against New Zealand, although with Jasprit Bumrah returning to full fitness, it would be difficult for him to get a place in the playing XI.
“Honestly, I am looking forward to this (playing Tests in New Zealand). I am eager to play red-ball cricket in New Zealand. I have performed well in recent times and I’m in good touch too. My series against Bangladesh was good too. I am pretty positive about my selection for New Zealand Test series. If I am selected, I am going to give my 100 percent. I have worked a lot on my line and length. I am hoping for the best,” Umesh said.
The current Indian pace bowling unit is unarguably one of the best in the world, with specialist bowlers available for respective formats. Umesh gave the due credit for such a remarkable rise of Indian speedsters to coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli.
“Ravi (Shastri) sir termed our bowling as ‘best’ because he has seen us bowling and sweating it out in the nets. Our coach (Shastri) and captain (Virat Kohli) have shown trust in us and guided us. They motivate us. That’s why we have earned the tag of ‘best in the world’. It’s a big thing for us. We will ensure we retain this tag whenever we go onto the field and represent our country,” Umesh said.
