India pacer Umesh Yadav was named in the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC WTC 2021 final against New Zealand, which begins on June 18 in Ageas Bowl, Southampton. He will be hoping to get into the playing XI as well despite the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Sharma, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammed Siraj.
Yadav is returning to international cricket after suffering from a calf injury which he suffered on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. He was part of the Delhi Capitals side in the IPL 2021 but didn’t get a game before the league was postponed.
"It is always good to get back into the team. I was disappointed to miss out on the last two games in Australia after I suffered an injury. I was really sad because I had to leave the team mid-way. But we went on to win the series. It was the greatest win for India.
I am calling it the greatest series win because of the way we were getting injured and the circumstances that the team found itself in and how despite all that we went on to lift the trophy. It was huge," Umesh told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview before leaving for the UK.
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With the presence of four other seamers in the 20-man squad, who have all done well previously, Yadav said that he’s ready to give his everything if given an opportunity to play in the world Test Championship final.
"I have always given my best whenever I get an opportunity. I have prepared myself in such a way that no matter what the conditions or situation, I can go and bowl and help my team achieve success. I have become a bowler for any situation and condition. I just want to go and perform," said Umesh, who has played 48 Tests in his career so far, claiming 148 wickets.
Umesh, who has 29 scalps so far in 7 WTC matches, though, wants to treat the World Test Championship final just like any other Test match.
"I am not thinking of it as a final hurdle. I am taking it as a normal match. This won't create any pressure on me. We have played a lot of games, defeated top teams to reach here. We are not going to miss out on this. I am ready to put in more than 100 percent in the final.
I want to have that satisfaction that I gave my 100 percent when I walk back to the pavilion at the end of the day's play. After the Australia triumph, it's time to clinch the WTC title. I am confident we will do it," he further told TimesofIndia.com.
(TOI inputs)
