Umesh likens playing WTC final to World Cup win for Test players

Umesh Yadav might have lost his place in the Indian limited-overs set-up after a slew of bad performances but has retained the credibility as a potent pacer in the red-ball format, especially in home conditions. For someone who plays the only format, this is going to be the pinnacle event for the Vidarbha pacer who endorsed Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane's views that WTC is like a World Cup.

"Yes, Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are correct. As a player when you are playing Test matches, the WTC is like a World Cup for you. It's very uncertain if we are going to get to play ODIs in the near future. So, as a Test match player, WTC is like a World Cup only. I also think the same. WTC final is different because you reach at that place by defeating a lot of good teams," he added.

The pacer has further praised the captain-coach duo of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for the confidence they have shown on the team while adding that the team are in sync with each other when steps on to the field.

"Virat and Ravi bhai have worked really hard. The way Virat has captained and handled the team, the freedom and confidence that the captain and coach have given to the team keep a lot of weightage because as a bowler or a batsman when you can play at your free will and freedom you definitely perform so much better. 

"When the team steps down on the ground, there is a kind of aggression, a feeling of backup and support. All 11 players are in sync with each other. So, coaches and captain deserve the credit for that. The players are very comfortable, there is a team spirit and good environment," said Umesh.