Not taking my place for granted - Umesh

After making his presence felt with a four-wicket haul in yet another clinical win against Sri Lanka, India seamer Umesh Yadav said that he was not taking place in the team for granted. Umesh conceded that despite his impressive performances, he had to maintain consistency to make India's squad for both the World Cup as well as the upcoming tour of Australia.

"It is difficult to say that I am a certainty for the World Cup. I hope the selectors take a note of my performance and reward me with a regular place in the side," Umesh said.

Umesh, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series with eight scalps, led the charge in Hyderabad alongside left-arm spinner Akshar Patel to restrict Sri Lanka to 242, eventually paving the way for India to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

"I am focusing on every single game and taking each game at a time because I know that a good performance in each game will take me that much closer to securing a World Cup berth. The decision lies in the hands of selectors, my job is to perform and make my team win," he said.

For the second time in two games, Umesh began by dismissing the opener Kusal Perera in the first over. He followed that up with the crucial wicket of Kumar Sangakkara in his next over, before coming back to rattle the tail towards the end of the innings.

"The wicket was good. In overcast conditions it did offer help to the bowlers and we made good use of it. Though the wicket slowed down but the carry did help the bowlers to get their seam position right," he said. "I have been playing for a while and my wickets have been a result of a better line and length. I have been trying to make batsmen play more than rather than bowling short.

"Sometimes if I try and focus more on speed, I tend to stray in my line and length, so it was a conscious decision to bowl fuller rather than focusing on pace. Even if it meant in reduction in a couple of yards, it was fine. What is more important is to take wickets and I am glad I have done so."