What next for Umesh Yadav? KKR pacer sets goals ahead of T20 World Cup

Umesh Yadav is IPL 2022’s sixth-highest wicket-taker currently. The Kolkata Knight Riders pacer has dismissed 10 batters in six matches at an economy rate of 6.79 rpo. His ability to move the new ball and get wickets in the powerplay has helped KKR to win three out of their six games this season. 

Yadav will be in action when Shreyas Iyer and co take on Rajasthan Royals on Monday at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. 

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Umesh Yadav is currently competing with young pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik for a spot in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia in October-November. The 34-year-old, who last played a a white-ball game for India in 2018 is eyeing a comeback. He was named the player of match for his 2/20 against the Chennai Super Kings in the season-opener at the Wankhede Stadium.

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“I haven’t thought that far (World Cup). It will all depend on the selectors and the team management. India will play several white-ball matches before the mega event and I have to first make it to those squads and keep performing there. Of course, the World Cup remains at the back of my mind, but as a cricketer, I set small goals and try to achieve those in phases,” Umesh Yadav said during a conversation with the Times of India.

The KKR pacer further said that he has not done anything special and is working on his weaknesses. 

“I always believed in keeping things simple. I have not done anything special, but have kept working on my weaknesses in between and focused on my strengths. In IPL, you need to have a big heart as there is every possibility of being hit someday. But it’s important not to lose your focus and keep a strong mind,” he said.

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Umesh Yadav bowls most of his spell with the new ball. He believes that Shreyas Iyer is the best captain for him. 

“I have a very well-defined role on the side. As Shreyas knows my game well, he has faith in me and stays very relaxed with me. He just wants me to bowl to my strength and not worry about results. So far he is the best captain for me,” the pacer added.