Eric Simons and TA Sekar have helped me a lot, says Umesh Yadav
Others might not have performed up to expected levels, Umesh Yadav at least, tried his level best in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Keen to make the most of the opportunity in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20, Delhi Daredevils pacer Umesh Yadav said he had been working hard on improving his run-up and getting his balance right.
"Right now I'm just working on my basics. I'm trying to improve my run-up, make it smoother and get my balance right," said Umesh.
Umesh said that under the guidance of head coach Eric Simons and team mentor TA Sekar he has improved immensely.
"Sekar sir has been telling me that if I remain calm and relax, it will help. So, I am just trying to do that. It helps me bowl better and bowl consistently in my areas," Umesh told clt20.com.
"Before bowling, Eric Simons always gives me target practice. He keeps a patch and I have to bowl on that. It is really helpful for me and sometimes just before the match, while working with Simons, I check my seam position and bowl at him.
"All this has benefited me and I have got my rhythm back. I have also been working on the position of holding my left hand and have improved. Now I don't have too much difficulty in hitting the right areas and I am happy," he added.
The The 24-year-old speedster from Maharashtra said that swing and bounce are his biggest strengths and he is fully exploiting the seamer-friendly conditions in South Africa.
"My strengths are my swing and bounce. I work on both. Bounce in a wicket is important for me, because if there is bounce and I hit the right areas and I can have the batsman in trouble. With a good-length ball, I get the swing and the height the bowler wants, which makes it difficult for the batsman to play shots. So, I like it if there is bounce in the wicket and the ball swings.
"It has been a good experience (bowling in SA). The wickets here are green and have a bit of grass on them as well. It's a fast bowler's dream to be able to play on wickets like these. Since the CLT20 is happening in South Africa, I will definitely benefit from it. As a pacer I have got what I wanted, so I will try and do my best."
Speaking about his bowling in these conditions, Umesh said, "I bowl back of length deliveries very well. When I bowl those, it is difficult for the batsman to play them. If there is bounce, it is difficult for the batsman to bat, because his only options are to play either on back foot or defend it or leave it.
"So, I try to bowl back of length or from three-quarters of a length from where the ball swings as well.
Umesh said that he has learnt a lot from his seniors, especially Irfan Pathan.
"I have learnt a lot from Pathan bhai. I learnt a lot from watching him. I have learnt how to remain confident and calm. The batsmen here, the foreign players, are good on the back foot and cut the ball well, so you have to take precautions while bowling to them.
"If you miss hitting the right length even marginally, you will definitely be hit for a six or a four. It is important to always remain focused on your areas and where you want to bowl," he said.