KKR vs SRH: "It was a very fond memory, but beyond that..." - Umesh Yadav on playing under Gautam Gambhir at KKR

India fast bowler Umesh Yadav has hailed Gautam Gambhir's leadership skills as he recalled his time at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

The right-arm pacer began his journey in the IPL with Delhi Capitals in 2010 and played four seasons for them before being signed up by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. In his maiden season with the Kolkata-based outfit, he picked 11 wickets with the best figures of 3 for 13 to help the team win its second IPL title.

Umesh remained with the team till 2017 before joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2018. Incidentally, Gautam Gambhir's association with KKR as a player also came to an end after the 2017 season as he joined Delhi Capitals in 2018.

Recalling his time at KKR, Umesh Yadav said that while he cherishes the memories, he would not like to say much about it out of respect for his current IPL team. The fast bowler is currently a part of the Gujarat Titans outfit.

"I’m now with a different franchise and the IPL is not over yet. Of course, it was a very fond memory, but beyond that, maybe I shouldn’t say anything more," Umesh Yadav told RevSportz.

Speaking about Gautam Gambhir under whom he made his debut for KKR, he said: "I made my IPL debut under him. He is a very good leader."

Umesh Yadav had another stint with KKR when the franchise bought him in 2022. He had a fine outing in 2022 as he picked up an impressive 16 wickets in 12 games while having an economy rate of only 7. In the following season, he could pick only 1 wicket in 8 games before being released ahead of the 2024 auction.

In IPL 2024, Umesh did not enjoy the best of outings with the bat. The pacer finished the season with 8 wickets from 7 games and had an economy rate of 10.

Gautam Gambhir and KKR eye third title:

Meanwhile, KKR are eyeing their IPL title as they will be locking horns against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final of IPL 2024 on Sunday (May 26). They have not won the title since Gautam Gambhir led them to glory in 2014. Incidentally, Gambhir is once again associated with them as a mentor and they will be hoping to go all the way this season.