Umesh Yadav focussed on generating more pace rather than line and length
Indian speedster Umesh Yadav, who has faced criticism several times in the past over his attempts at bowling at high speeds, said that he will proceed undeterred in his attempts to generate more pace even if it comes at the cost of bowling in the right areas, NDTV Sports reports.
Yadav, who has been named in both the ODI and T20 squads for India’s upcoming tour to Australia, was speaking to reporters on the eve of the team’s departure.
“I am here because of my pace," Yadav said. "Whenever I come on to the ground or the pitch (to bowl) I always think about my pace. I do not think about my line and length."
The 28-year-old had one of his best years in 2015 as he played a major role in India’s run to the semi-finals of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. With premier fast bowler Mohammed Shami undergoing a knee surgery post the tournament which has kept the Bengal pacer on the sidelines for close to nine months, Yadav enjoyed a prolonged run in the team and seems to have cemented his spot in all the three formats.
Heading into the series against Australia on the back of an impressive showing in the Delhi Test against South Africa where he picked up five wickets followed by impressive performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Vidarbha, Yadav explained his thoughts regarding the other facets of his bowling.
"I have just been focussing on keeping my line and length closer to the off-stump," he said. "I also try to swing the ball. I know if my wrist position is good, I can swing the ball easily.”
Similar to Yadav, fellow fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also come in for sharp criticism for striving for that extra yard of pace which seems to have affected his natural ability to swing the ball.
Though he admitted that they can have their off days, Yadav reiterated that he would be aiming for generating more pace, especially on the hard pace-friendly tracks Down Under.
"Sometimes you will have bad days and you miss your length and give away easy scoring opportunities. But I am trying to build more pace in my bowling."
Indian cricket fans would be hoping that Yadav and the returning Shami can recreate the performances from the World Cup which was held in Australia along with New Zealand, to help India make a strong start to the new year.