Debutant and |Dubai amateur Oscar Craig makes the cut on a tough day dominated by warm winds
Speaking to IANS, Umesh throws light on how he has kept himself motivated in the lockdown, the lessons he learnt under MS Dhoni that he now implements under Kohli, the need to start cricketing action with the Indian Premier League and most importantly, how he will work towards swinging the ball after the ICC implemented the saliva ban keeping an eye on the coronavirus pandemic.
Known to make the old SG ball talk on placid Indian wickets, does the saliva ban worry Umesh?
"As the white ball swings for a less time, so for T20s it's okay. But the main problem will be when we will play Test matches. If we can't use saliva then we will have to think of new techniques to make the ball swing. Once practice starts only then we will know how to tackle it," he pointed.
The players are currently training indoors and Umesh says that at times during the lockdown, he has had phases when he wanted to be lazy and skip the routine.
"Actually, maintaining the workout discipline is difficult during the lockdown. Training is still fine but what is difficult is the action of the athlete like the feel of working out together at the ground. Also when you are at home and you can't step out, at times you feel very lazy. I even think of taking an off day or cheat on a diet, but this is the most crucial time and we need to avoid the lazy thoughts and push yourself. I give at least 1-2 hrs a day to training without fail," he pointed.
But will it be easy getting back to the ground after so long? The pacer says it will be important to train hard and focus on the muscles as a bowler.
"As a professional whenever you go on the field or on the ground, you always want to give your 100 per cent. But you also need to consider the fact that since lockdown we are not practising the way we used to, nor the activities are happening the same way. So physically it is a bit difficult to do bowling or fielding. Hence, once we are back on the field post the lockdown, we will have to start gradually and work on the muscles," he explained.
So does that mean he would look at something like the IPL as a perfect launchpad to kickstart the season?
Starting off under the leadership of Dhoni in 2011, Umesh has been a part of 46 Tests, 75 ODIs and 7 T20Is. So how different is it under Kohli who is aggressive by nature as compared to someone as cool as Dhoni?
"I started my career under the guidance of Mahi bhai. As people call him, he was surely Captain Cool. I learnt a lot from him which I am using right now under the leadership of Virat," he said.
Finally, a word on the champion bowling unit that India have managed to create over the last couple of years. Umesh says he is proud to be a part of this unit and loves the healthy competition for a place in the team.
"Our bowling attack is quite strong right now and all the bowlers are playing well, so there is surely a healthy competition in the team among the fast bowlers," he said.
Debutant and |Dubai amateur Oscar Craig makes the cut on a tough day dominated by warm winds
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