Zaheer Khan's advice that helped Umesh Yadav become a Team India regular

Kingston: Umesh Yadav, on Thursday, revealed that former India pacer Zaheer Khan’s advice motivated him to improve himself and become an integral part of Team India.

“Zaheer bhai said one thing. When you are a junior and a newcomer in the team, the faster you learn about your mistakes, the better it will be for you. That's what I try and do," stated Umesh Yadav to BCCI.tv.

Umesh has been an important factor in India’s bowling attack. After having just played two games in the ICC Champions Trophy, Yadav came back strongly in the recently-concluded ODI series against West Indies, picking up seven wickets from four matches. This includes three wickets each in the last two ODIs.

Umesh Yadav, who has 194 wickets from 115 first class games, always takes it one game at a time. 

"I sit and think about the mistakes I've made. Then I try and implement them in the next match. There are positives and negatives. I try and focus more on positive points. I figure out what the strong and weak points are. That is what's important as a fast bowler," he added.

Umesh had a successful season for India last year as he scalped 15 wickets from the 10 ODIs that he played. He also stressed on the fact that pace has been an important factor for him.

"It's because of speed that I'm here. Pace was my weapon, it's given me recognition. Now, I'm trying to balance swing and the length with the pace. That will be helpful," he said.

India will next play a lone T20 match against West Indies on Sunday, which will conclude their tour to West Indies.