CHENNAI: Emerging all-rounder Jayant Yadav is thrilled to have contributed his bit to India’s 4-0 thrashing of England in the recent Test series. That also ensured the hosts maintained its World No 1 ranking. He says the dressing room atmosphere is fantastic, and skipper Virat Kohli’s calm, cool demeanour brought out the best in him.
Jayant also credits R Ashwin for inputs that helped him excel. The way the Delhi-born lad lent balance to the side, many former cricketers believe he was the find of the series. “4-0 was great. The atmosphere in the team is healthy, and everyone tries to help each other. It’s fun to be in such a dressing room,” says Jayant.
The Haryana player says it feels like a dream to be part of such a big win in his debut series, and the experience will remain close to his heart.
“Very special to be part of this team, especially since I contributed. We’re a well-oiled unit, and results are there for all to see,” gushes the youngster.
One of the main differences between the two sides was contributions from the lower order. “Yes, depth in batting helped us. The entire lower order contributed in the series. Ashwin, (Ravindra) Jadeja and I did well with the bat, and even (Mohammed) Shami and Umesh (Yadav) came good. When your last pair scores some 40-50 runs, it makes an impact,” notes Jayant.
He always knew he could come up with such performances. “No I didn’t surprise myself with this performance. I had a job, and achieved that.”
Kohli is known to treat his players well, backing them to the hilt and giving them ample time to prove their worth. And Jayant thanks his skipper for that. “You get confidence when your captain backs you. There was absolutely no pressure on me. He told me to bowl as I would in a Ranji Trophy game, and didn’t impose his views on me,” compliments the genial cricketer.
Asked about Kohli comparing him with Graeme Swann, and Jayant blushes at the comparison, promising to work hard. “I’m flattered, and this will propel me to work hard and improve myself in every aspect.
“I never try to emulate anybody. Ashwin, Jadeja and myself have roles to play as per the situation, and we do that. Sometimes I just bowl and dry up runs,” opined the 26-year-old.
Now that he has made an impression, will he find pressure of expectations tough to handle? “There’s no pressure, as I like expectations. I just want to do my job, dry up runs and put pressure on opponents,” replies the youngster confidently.
Jayant felt it is too early to speak about the upcoming Australia tour. “Too early to talk about Australia. When it comes, we’ll draw plans and see whether to dry up the runs. I’m not sure if I’ll play in the Chennai league though,” he says.
The most frequent phrase Jayant uses is ‘dry up runs’. Is this his main job? “No, not necessarily, It depends on the situation, and to whom you’re bowling to.”
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com