5 players who blossomed under Anil Kumble

#2 Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has improved the most in the last year or so

Umesh Yadav’s easy action and the pace he generated with it impressed one and all when he first arrived in international cricket. However, despite everything he was a scattergun, liberally spraying the ball all across the pitch and giving away cheap runs.

Such was his inconsistency that even after bowling five terrific deliveries in an over, the sixth ball would invariably be short and wide or drift down the leg side or was overpitched. Over the last few months, though, Umesh has managed to get his act together.

It started a little before Kumble’s appointment, but it was during his tenure that Umesh really thrived. It is noticeable how his accuracy has improved and that too, without sacrificing the pace. Under Kumble, his doubts had vanished, he gained self-belief.

Umesh is a different bowler today, all thanks to the former coach.