As a Test match player, WTC is like a World Cup only: Umesh Yadav

Tags: ICC World Test Championship Final 2021, India, Umesh Yadav

Published on: May 21, 2021

Team India pacer Umesh Yadav has admitted that he would love to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand and added that it would be equal to winning the World Cup. India will face the Kiwis in the WTC final next month in Southampton after which they will take on England in a five-match Test series. Speaking to ANI, Yadav stated that the team is trying to be positive while practicing in lockdown

He was quoted as saying, "The only preparations going on right now, during the lockdown, is of individual physical fitness and being strong mentally. We are all trying to stay positive and just looking forward to playing the World Test Championship final. We are all training individually now so that when we come together we are even better."

On why the WTC is so significant, Yadav explained, "Yes, Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are correct (to say WTC final is like World Cup final). As a player when you are playing Test matches, the WTC is like a World Cup for you. It's very uncertain if we are going to get to play ODIs in the near future. So, as a Test match player, WTC is like a World Cup only. I also think the same. WTC final is different because you reach at that place by defeating a lot of good teams," he added.

Yadav further admitted that life in a bio-bubble is highly challenging and hence it is important for one to stay mentally strong. The pacer elaborated, "Yes, definitely it is difficult because once your quarantine is over, the bio-bubble life starts. Until 10-15 days, it is all great, but then it starts to get a little exhausting because you are in the same place in a limited area and you cannot go beyond that. So, being mentally strong and keeping yourself fresh is very important."

33-year-old Yadav also credited captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri for playing a major role in the team’s success over the last few seasons. Yadav said about the two, "Virat and Ravi bhai have worked really hard. The way Virat has captained and handled the team, the freedom and confidence that the captain and coach have given to the team keep a lot of weightage because as a bowler or a batsman when you can play at your free will and freedom you definitely perform so much better."

"When the team steps down on the ground, there is a kind of aggression, a feeling of backup and support. All 11 players are in sync with each other. So, coaches and captain deserve the credit for that. The players are very comfortable, there is a team spirit and good environment," he added

Yadav has claimed 148 wickets from 48 Test matches at an average of 30.54 with three five-fors and one 10-wicket match haul.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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