Umesh Yadav has turned a new page in his career. The veteran fast bowler has already bagged 10 wickets in his first five outings for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. And he delivered 62 point balls – the most so far in three weeks of high-tension action.
Umesh is currently second in the Purple Cap race led by Yuzvendra Chahal. It opens to sports star ahead of the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. The 34-year-old discusses his preparations for the season and how he has adapted to white-ball cricket without much playing time.
Q. There have been considerable gaps in your white ball career and even in the IPL. You have participated in bowling tests, but is it difficult to adapt to shorter formats?
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A. It shouldn’t be that difficult for any bowler. When you play with the red ball, the length is the same. The length of a bouncer is the same in Test cricket as it is in white-ball cricket. The concept of a good length is no different. So if you can play test cricket well, there should be no problem. There are little things like slowers and yorkers that need work. But these days, if you’ve noticed, there’s also a trend of slows and yorkers in red ball cricket. Bowlers try these variations in Test matches when wickets are not helping.
But visualizing and executing are two different things…
Thinking, bowling and performing are different things. Sometimes you may not be able to perform. Even batters evolved like bowlers with their variations. There are things like a trick shot in cricket now. Adapting is not too difficult.
READ ALSO – Deepak Chahar ruled out of IPL 2022 due to back injury
Can you tell us about your preparations specifically for this IPL?
It’s more or less the same thing I’ve done over the years. But yes, once you gain experience you know the areas that may need some work. I work on my weak points and I try to reinforce the strong points. When I train, I try to figure out how my strength can help the team win games. I plan on my own – the pitch, the setup against a particular hitter. I try to apply such things to nets, and usually I try to mix things up. If you start complicating things in cricket, it can get confusing in the long run. It’s best to keep the basics straight with a clear mind. In IPL, you can get wickets but also concede runs. You must be ready for this. The batter can score a fifty or be returned for a duck. And that’s the nature of the game.
It’s not a good feeling to get hit for a six after running hard and bowling…
It can happen in T20 cricket. You have to keep a strong mind and heart to operate in a tournament like the IPL. Your face should not turn pale if you lose a few runs after picking up wickets.
Do you study and plan specifically against hitters in the IPL?
There are meetings before games. Opposing hitters are analyzed, their scoring and non-scoring areas are studied. You need to assess their strengths and weaknesses, do a bit of mental math, and plan the bowling accordingly.
How long did you spend at the gym?
The more you love your body, it will love you back. Whenever I’m free and not practicing, I try to follow my training schedule. I try to do those workouts that can help my body. It’s part of my work ethic.
How is it to play under the direction of Shreyas Iyer?
When you know you’re okay, it’s okay, but when you’re not okay, there’s a bit of pressure. Shreyas knows that I have been here for a long time and he understands me. He supports me and sustains me. He knows I can manage my game even when the chips are down. He expects me to play to my strengths and play my assigned role. He even came to see me to ask me for suggestions. He is very relaxed and knows his job. He has been the best captain for me since I had a chance after so long.
You’ve always been a big hitter. Now that most suiters are hitting well and making it tough to compete, do you plan on working your hitter more to maybe play an all-around role?
Sometimes the stick can give you the advantage. If you are going overseas where there is a requirement for a fast and versatile bowler, and if you are a good hitter, this can help.
