India pacer Umesh Yadav has backed newly-appointed bowling coach Bharat Arun as the right man for the job. Yadav, who was one of India’s most consistent bowlers last season, said that Arun was the reason behind his sensational run last year.
“Yes, last season has been one of my best in Test cricket where I showed a lot of consistency. But having shown that level of consistency, I would attribute the success to the efforts I had put in to rectify my mistakes of preceding seasons,” said Umesh.
Yadav added that Arun constantly worked with him on his flaws during his earlier stint with the national team when current head coach Ravi Shastri was team director. “The results showed because I worked on my bowling when I was getting in and out of the team. Bharat Arun sir used to work a lot with me when I wasn’t part of the playing XI. When I would be in Nagpur, it would be Subroto Banerjee sir (former India seamer) who would work on my technique. I am indebted to both,” said Umesh, who played 12 out of India’s 13 Tests last season.
Yadav bagged 17 wickets against Australia – highest by an Indian pacer in a four-Test series. With Sri Lanka up next, Yadav is ready to repeat last season’s stellar show. Playing 12 Tests in a single season has been a testimony to his fitness standard – something he has achieved due to strong lower body.
“I have done a lot of power training to strengthen my core which is an absolute must for a fast bowler. I have very strong hamstrings which has helped me bowl long spells. The stronger your legs are, the faster you can bowl. I would also like to thank our trainer Shankar Basu, who has helped me maintain fitness of highest standard,” said Yadav.
