Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli deserve the credit- Umesh Yadav on India’s secret to Test success in recent times

Express Indian pacer Umesh Yadav while talking to Press Trust of India ahead of World Test Championship (WTC), said India’s confidence to play freely is mainly because of the coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli.

India were found in deep trouble with multiple injuries to their crucial players on India’s tour of Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. India won the series 2-1. Kohli left the series after the first Test match due to paternity leave. India was all out for 36 in the second innings of a first Test match. Ajinkya Rahane leading the side for the rest of the series, the team being crippled with multiple major injuries and racial abuses, winning the series 2-1 is a herculean task.

Umesh Yadav reflecting on India’s recent success over Australia and England explained that freedom is given by Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri to every player who has made all the difference.

“Virat and Ravi (Shastri) 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 keeps 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,” Umesh said

Yadav praised Kohli and Shastri as they deserve the whole credit for it.

“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,” the India pacer further added.

Umesh Yadav is named in India’s squad for WTC Final and following the England series. India will play WTC Final against New Zealand from June 18 to 22, with 23 being reserve day.