Allrounder’s tag is no burden for newbie Jayant Yadav
STRENGTH Indian cricket’s latest find feels that existence of two skills is an asset since he can contribute better to team’s cause
MUMBAI: Jayant Yadav couldn’t have asked for a better year. In a span of 18 days, the off-spinner made his ODI and Test debut at Visakhapatnam. For one who made his first-class debut at 21, it seemed to happen too quickly. Jayant, who will turn 27 on January 22, is just glad to be playing cricket at the highest level. In an interview, the Delhi lad, who plays for Haryana, spoke about his bright start to international cricket, bowling with Ashwin and why he takes the allrounder’s tag as a challenge. Excerpts
Did you expect your Test debut to happen so quickly?
After the ODI debut, I wanted to get into the Test team. When my name was announced, it was a great feeling. I was part of the Test team (during the New Zealand series) before my ODI debut. I was aware about the dressing room atmosphere and team culture.
You hardly looked nervous on your Test debut…
(Laughs). I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. But everything panned out the right way. I got the wicket (of Moeen Ali) on the eighth ball. That calmed nerves. I contributed with the bat (35 and 27 not out) which made me feel better.
Has your performance exceeded expectations?
I wouldn’t say that. The major factor is contributing to the team, adding value to the role given. As a cricketer, I am not content. Yes, I am definitely happy with the way I have performed and I would like to contribute further.
Root’s wicket in second innings of Wankhede Test was crucial.
In the last session, they (England) scored 89 in 20 overs. Our plan as spinners was to keep it tight and the wicket was doing quite a lot. It was a matter of holding nerve. They were also playing shots, so our plan was to bowl to our strengths and give them no room. Root misread the length on that delivery. He should have played it forward, but he went back.
A half century, ton and nine wickets in three Tests. Feels surreal?
It feels good, but at the same time adding value to the team is more important in whichever way you can. A dream would be to score 200 and take five wickets (in the match).
Would you call yourself an allrounder now?
My first skill is always bowling. All-rounders around the world have the primary skill in place and another skill that backs them up.
Is the allrounder’s tag a burden for cricketers?
From my perspective, it is not a burden. If you have two skills, you can always contribute to the team. It’s about working on your secondary skill and taking it a notch up. I enjoy batting and bowling, why would it be a burden?
Rahul Dravid (India ‘A’ coach) credited skipper Virat Kohli for your success.
The structure has played a part. It is everybody, not just Virat. Obviously, being a captain, he takes into account a lot of things, but the environment in the dressing room is conducive, the atmosphere is buzzing. You want to go out there and do something for the team. That plays a very important part. What kind of a reception did you get? It was very good. I gave a speech and those things are ice breakers.
What kind of interaction did you have with coach Anil Kumble?
Anil sir brings a sense of calmness. When you don’t have a good spell, he would reinforce that you need to be consistent in all the areas as that will open up the avenue for a wicket. You don’t have to chase a wicket; that is one thing he keeps stressing on. The best thing about this team is that it will back you till the end. That is a good thing for youngsters.
How smooth was the transition from India ‘A’ to international cricket?
When you progress from Ranji Trophy to India ‘A’, and then to international cricket, you need to be aware of the gaps between each level. It could be skill, fitness or intensity related. You need to be aware and work towards it. When you go through that process, you learn a lot of things.
Your experience of bowling with R Ashwin?
I have known Ash since 2014. We share a good rapport. We talk a lot about the game apart from other things. It is very difficult to describe him. He has a great cricketing mind, is genuine and straight forward.