Jayant Yadav credits Ashwin for his rise

Tribune news service

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VISAKHAPATNAM, November 19

Debutant Jayant Yadav on Saturday said that Ravichandran Ashwin has had a big role in his rise to Test cricket. Ashwin has helped the Haryana spinner from time to time to hone his skills and the ace spinner has been guiding him in his debut match also. Yesterday, Ashwin revealed that a couple of years ago, Yadav had come to Chennai for two weeks, stayed near his home and the two practised together. Today Yadav spoke about the help he received from Ashwin in 2012

Excerpts from the news conference: 

Q) How was the experience in your debut game?

A) It is a very proud moment for any cricketer. As one graduates from Under-17, U-19, Ranji Trophy, one aspires to play Test cricket. It is the topmost level in international cricket. I think the first day in the dressing room helped a lot. I have been travelling with the team for a while, so getting to know everybody, it helps. I would be lying if I said there were no nerves – there were definitely nerves but as I bowled the first over, it gradually subsided and I am pretty glad that it happened.

Q) How is your relationship with Ashwin and how was the experience of bowling with him in this Test?

A) I first got to know him in 2014 through India bowling coach Eric Simons. I think he was preparing for his England tour and it was very sweet of him to help me because at that time, I was just playing Ranji Trophy. Just to see him how he prepares and to get inputs from him was quite special. After that, we stayed in touch. He talks a lot of sense about bowling. It is all about learning, I feel. He did not give me a lot of technical inputs (in this match) but he told me about bowling different lines to different batsmen, being consistent all the time, and where I was erring on the length.