The Indian team registered their 11th consecutive series win at home, as they went 2-0 up in the 3-match Test series against South Africa. They defeated the Proteas by an innings and 137 runs in the Pune Test match with the Indian bowlers shining throughout.
Umesh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers as he picked 6 wickets in the match on what can be termed as his return to the Test fold. He picked 3/37 and 3/22 as India made South Africa follow on. Earlier on the back of Virat Kohli’s 254* and Mayank Agarwal’s 108 and contributions from Pujara, Rahane and Jadeja piled on 601/5d.
In reply, South Africa was bowled out for 275 with Maharaj making 72 and Ashwin picking 4/69 and then in the second do, made 189 runs only, with Elgar making 48 and Jadeja picking 3 wickets as well. After the win, Umesh Yadav and Wriddhiman Saha had a chat with one of the commentators and spoke on various aspects of their game and performance in the Test.
He said, "I think I should treat him for those wickets down leg-side and that first catch, and I think those two wickets are Wriddhi bhai's wickets. When you put the ball outside leg stump you think it'll be a boundary, but if there is a little bit chance to convert a catch, we know he will take it, I know that there is a lot of competition in the team so whoever comes in has to do well. I knew that it was important I do well if I get a chance. The way we are winning matches, you have to have the mindset to grab your chances. I was confident coming into the match because the last time I played in India I got 10 wickets in the match. If there is doubt in the mind, it's not possible to perform well. It all went well for me”
Meanwhile, Saha who has impressed on his comeback to Test fold, ahead of Rishabh Pant, said, "The ball wobbles for all three -- Umesh, Ishant (Sharma), (Mohammed) Shami. We practice for that. But ultimately you have to come into the match and do it. Our trainers help us out with stretches, ice-baths, and we are trained for the match-day really well, so credit to them for my fitness as well as my wicket-keeping performance.”
(PTI inputs)
