India captain Virat Kohli said it was a stand-out performance from fast bowler Umesh Yadav, who returned a match-winning 10-wicket haul against the West Indies here on Sunday.
“It was truly outstanding to bowl consistently quick at 140-plus and importantly take wickets. I am sure he can build on this performance,” Kohli said.
“It is good to have so many guys in the dressing room, anyone can step in for anyone else. It is a great luxury,” said a smiling Kohli. “One of the things which we looked from this series, apart from winning, is the youngsters playing with freedom. We are pleased with this,” he said.
Reflecting more on Umesh’s bowling, the captain reminded that not many know that the former can bowl some unplayable balls as the Indian players experience in the nets. “I think he is right up there for the Australian tour,” he said.
“We do feel that bowling needs to be a major strength when we travel,” he said.
On Ajinkya Rahane and K.L. Rahul, Kohli said: “I think even KL looks at his errors and rectifies them. There is no doubt about his attitude.
“I think we all learn from one another. Even if I get out and someone else scores, I do pick up a few things,” he said.
“Rishabh was fearless, Shaw was outstanding. Overall, both guys have cemented their places, even though the conditions here were not as challenging as they might be in the coming days,” Kohli said.
“We have options at the top of the order now where Shaw gives the kind of start that is required. He is fearless, not reckless. He hardly nicks a ball, which is a rare quality against the new ball,” were the rich compliments from the captain.
“I don’t think many of us at 18 were even 10 per cent of what he is now,” he said.
“The pitch was a bit difficult to score on the third day, though it was not drastic (wear and tear),” he added.
