Bangar helped Umesh to get his rhythm back

Umesh Yadav on Friday said batting coach Sanjar Bangar's tips helped him find his rhythm back prior to what would become a career-defining Test series against Australia for the pace spearhead.

"When you concede runs or try for that extra mile your rhythm may get affected. Sanjay bhai told me that you were running faster to get that extra pace, affecting my line and length. He told me to enjoy your running so you would have better control," Umesh said.

The Kolkata Knight Riders pacer's 4/33 formed the cornerstone of an eight-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in the IPL last night.

The Vidarbha pacer played 12 out of 13 Tests in a hectic home season, and his big moment came in the four-Test series against Australia, when he picked up 17 wickets and played a big role in India regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"The hard work is paying off. I've been playing continuously for last eight-ten months in the Tests. The more you bowl, the better you become.

"Playing continuously has helped me in getting the line and length right. You realise your mistakes in a better way and get your rhythm back."

Giving credit to Bangar and head coach Anil Kumble he said: "I now know clearly in which areas I should bowl. Discussing with Bangar and coach Anil Kumble, who have a great knowledge about bowling, has helped me in last 10 months. They tell me when to go for maidens, when to try for wickets.

"It feels good. I'm trying my best to carry forward that form. It's good for me," Umesh said.

Thursday night, he gave away 11 runs from his first over but bounced back by taking four wickets, including three in his last over, to restrict KXIP to 170 for nine.