Umesh Yadav pointed out skipper Virat Kohli's love for speed as one of the most crucial factors behind the rise in Indian fast bowling stocks at the Test match level.
Umesh, part of the much-revered Indian pace group also consisting the likes of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, says Kohli's belief makes them push just that little harder every time they turn up.
“Virat is a fast bowler's captain,” Umesh told Sportstar ahead of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting September 19 in UAE.
The 32-year-old, who is currently training and will be playing under Kohli's leadership for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), added, "His (Virat’s) aggressive brand of captaincy suits the team in all formats. Fast bowlers, especially in Twenty20 cricket, enter with an aggressive mindset."
"It is about maintaining an attacking attitude and not a defensive one. When you are always looking to take wickets, your head is in the right place."
Hoping for their maiden IPL title, Royal Challengers are having practice sessions at the ICC Academy in Dubai, with focus on preparing for variety of surfaces, ranging from flat to slow, offering help to spinners. Umesh said it's important for the team to adjust quickly to those conditions.
“Going by the number of net sessions we've had here so far, the practice wickets have been a bit sticky, slightly on the flatter side,” said Umesh.
“If there is no seam or swing movement and there is no pace off the pitch, then you need to hit the deck hard to extract pace."
"It depends on what kind of surfaces we get once the tournament begins: if it's medium but slow and gets slower as the match progresses, then we have to adapt accordingly," he added.
Umesh also thanked coach Simon Katich and team director Mike Hesson for their support.
“I've worked with Katto during our time at Kolkata Knight Riders. Both him and Mike are very calm and chilled out. It's my first season with Mike. As team director, he has done a good job of assigning each member of the team clear-cut individual roles."
"So definitely, this kind of man-management early in the campaign becomes the cornerstone of success."
A natural athlete, Umesh has been working hard on fitness since the lockdown days and that shall hold him in good stead during the tournament.
“Your training schedule in the lead-up to a competitive match matters a lot... I am satisfied with my preparation," he said.
"The regular exercise sessions at home have helped maintain many facets of my physical fitness. For a fast bowler, balance and rhythm are critical."
"So, I also ran a lot to master those aspects. Another four to five sessions and I will be gearing up towards match intensity," Umesh added.
