New Delhi: Umesh Yadav is relieved that he is back in the scheme of things but the bigger reason for his happiness is that senior pro Zaheer Khan will be around during India's upcoming tour of South Africa to guide the junior bowlers.
"Zaheer has had a great influence on youngsters with his ability to guide us through the bump and grind of international cricket. I have got a lot of valuable tips on fast bowling and there is no better exponent of reverse swing than Zak. He is like mentor to us and it is an honour to play international cricket alongside him," the 26-year-old Vidarbha pacer told PTI today.
"Zaheer's advice in match situations are invaluable as he is a brilliant reader of opposition batsmen."
Yadav, who has played nine Tests and 26 ODIs for India, was confident that he will be selected in the Test team but to be recalled in the shorter format has been like an icing on the cake.
"I had a gut feeling that I will be selected for the Test series but I had kept my fingers crossed for the ODIs. I am really happy that selectors have shown faith in me by giving me a chance in the ODI squad as well," the fast bowler added.
"Since I have the pace, my bowling is suited to conditions where the pitches offer pace and bounce. I have also played in places like Durban in the Champions League T20 for Delhi Daredevils. So, I have the experience of bowling in South Africa."
Yadav had last played for India in the tri-series in West Indies last July, after which he was dropped following some ordinary performances in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy.
"I have no complaints about being dropped from the squad. If I am honest to myself, I wasn't really bowling well during the Challenger Series and it was a fair enough decision. There were certain chinks in my bowling and I needed to take corrective measures," said Yadav seeming pretty forthright in his self-assessment.
