IPL 2022: I Have To First Make It To India's Squads For Bilateral Series - Umesh Yadav On Playing T20 World Cup

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pace bowler Umesh Yadav said he will need to perform consistently in order to push his selection for India’s T20 World Cup squad in Australia later this year.

Umesh made come back IPL season for KKR in the current edition after warming the bench for Delhi Capitals last season. The 34-year-old has been the leading wicket-taker for KKR so far with 10 scalps in six matches at an average of 16.30.

I haven’t thought that far: Umesh Yadav on T20 World Cup selection

After India discovered their new bowling pair in Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with Mohammed Shami as the third-choice pacer in early 2016, Umesh played just 23 ODI matches and six T20Is for India in the period of 2016-18. The Indian pacer played his last match for India in the shortest format against Australia in February 2019.

Umesh is focused to get back to the Indian side and perform well in the bilateral series ahead of the showpiece event in October-November.

“I haven’t thought that far (WC). It will all depend on the selectors and the team management. India will play a number of white-ball matches before the mega event and I have to first make it to those squads and keep performing there,” Umesh told Times of India. 

“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. 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,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer is the best captain for me: Umesh Yadav

Umesh praised KKR bowling coach Bharat Arun and skipper Shreyas Iyer while working with them in IPL 2022. Umesh called Shreyas the’ best captain’ he played in his career.

“Yes, we go a long way. He (Bharat) knows me well since I worked with him from 2009 when he was the NCA bowling coach. So our communication is easy and simple. As he knows my limitations it’s easier to plan with him,” Umesh said. 

“I have a very well-defined role in 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,” he added.

KKR are currently positioned in the sixth place in the IPL 2022 points table with three wins and as many losses.

Also Read: IPL 2022: If Umesh Yadav Keeps Performing, Can’t See Why He Would Not Do Well For India In T20Is – Tim Southee