Umesh Yadav hoping for IPL 2020 to take place: The Indian fast bowler opened up on playing without saliva, training during lockdown and IPL 2020.
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India fast bowler Umesh Yadav has admitted that it will be difficult for bowlers to play without using saliva to shine the ball. Speaking in an interview with IANS, Yadav hoped for adjusting well to the new rule upon officially resuming training and explained how adjustment in Test cricket will be the biggest challenge.
“Yes, it will be difficult to suddenly start playing without the saliva. We haven’t started practising yet, once I get on the ground and practice playing without the use of saliva only then I will know how effective it is. With the old ball it’s still okay, but with the new ball, I don’t know how much it will shine minus the saliva.
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“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,” Yadav was quoted as saying by IANS.
ICC banning the use of saliva to restrict the spread of coronavirus have invited opinions from Australia all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne, spearhead Mitchell Starc and batsman Steve Smith, Indian spinners in Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin , fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and England pacer Saqib Mahmood in the past.
Umesh Yadav hoping for IPL 2020 to take place
Yadav, 32, last played for India during the tour of New Zealand. Being asked about his workout routine during the COVID-19 lockdown, Yadav acknowledged that “working from home” is no mean task in his profession.
“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.
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“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,” Yadav said.
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Yadav, who currently represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, further expressed his interest in playing the 13th season of the tournament this year despite not hearing any official announcement regarding the tournament which has been suspended till further notice.
“Right now I have no idea if the IPL will happen this year or not, but I hope it does. As we haven’t played any matches for a long time now, it is important to play domestic matches before international series starts.
“As lots of rules have changed now so at least we will have an idea how to take the new rules ahead and how to cope up with them, how to bowl in a particular situation etc. So yes, I want IPL to happen this year,” Yadav further said.
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