Despite performing consistently well in red-ball cricket at home, speedster Umesh Yadav hasn’t been given a decent run away from home. In 12 Tests outside Asia during the 2018-19 season, Yadav featured in only two Tests.

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The emergence of Jasprit Bumrah in addition to the brilliance of Mohammad Shami and Ishant Sharma hasn’t helped his case either. However, the 32-year-old Umesh remains unperturbed by it.

"To be honest, I am really strong mentally and that makes a lot of difference. I don't pay much heed to stuff like who is going to get a chance or whether I have to sit in the reserves. This is a game where anything is possible," he told PTI during an exclusive interview.

"A lot of factors go into it - form, conditions. It's just about delivering and grabbing the given opportunities. So, I don't think so much about other things," the pacer added.

Coming to the 50-over format, Umesh Yadav’s last game for India was in October 2018 against the West Indies.

With less game time in international cricket, does he feel like a victim?

"I don't look at myself being a victim. There are times when I have played and times when I have not played.

"During the times I am not playing, I just look forward to working on my game. (I am) getting better at my skills and hopefully will be a part of white ball cricket," the optimistic fast bowler said.

When asked who is the person he falls back on in tough times, Umesh replied: "There is no one man I seek advice from. In fact, knowledge is available everywhere. You just need to be ready to grasp it. At home, it's my coach Subroto sir (former India seamer Subroto Banerjee) who is my sounding board.”

"Also there is Ashish bhai (Nehra) and Zak paa (Zaheer Khan) who have also helped me a lot. Sometimes, I also chat with our bowling coach Bharath Arun sir."

(With PTI inputs)