As Kolkata Knight Riders look to leave behind the recent injury setback and focus on the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, their star fast-bowler Umesh Yadav has said that the team’s aim is to win the title.
The buildup to IPL 2023 was not really great for KKR as their captain and batting mainstay Shreyas Iyer was sidelined with a back injury. He is set to miss at least the first half of the tournament. In his absence, KKR recently announced Nitish Rana as their new captain.
And as KKR gear up for a new season under a new captain, Umesh Yadav has made it clear that the team is aiming to go all the way this season. The Kolkata-based outfit have not managed to lay their hands on the trophy since winning the competition for the second time in 2014. Since then, they have made it to the final only once in 2021 when Chennai Super Kings beat them.
“The aim is to win the title, winning the IPL trophy. The boys are enjoying the practice sessions. Pandit sir is holding a camp with us. Everyone is focused and the goal is the same for everyone. That is very important for us,” Umesh Yadav told India Today.
Speaking further, Umesh Yadav was asked about his team’s bowling lineup and he insisted that KKR have a solid attack. He pointed out that the addition of Lockie Ferguson and Shardul Thakur will make the attack more experienced.
“Yes, we have a very good bowling attack. We have experience. We have Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson. We need to deliver in a disciplinary way, and then we will do well,” said the right-arm pacer.
Umesh Yadav eyeing World Cup birth:
Umesh Yadav might not be in the scheme of things as far as India’s ODI team is concerned but he has still not given up on the hopes of playing this year’s World Cup at home. The fast-bowler has not played an ODI since October 2018 but is fancying his chances of making a comeback ahead of the marquee event. With Jasprit Bumrah’s currently sidelined, there is a possibility of a comeback.
“Yes, obviously, this is running in my mind. The World Cup comes once in 4 years. I think this will be my last World Cup. And Bumrah maybe he will get fit before the World Cup. I will try my best in this IPL.
“I hope I can be a part of the World Cup team as it will come again in 4 years. I hope I will get the chance in IPL and am hopeful to find a spot in Team India instead of waiting for the next 4 years,” said Umesh.
The pacer would be looking to replicate the performance that he delivered for KKR last year. He finished the season with 16 wickets and a stunning economy rate of 7.06. In the powerplay, he went at just 6.41 runs per over and picked up eight wickets.
Also Read: They Will Be In Trouble: Aaron Finch Fires Warning To Gujarat Titans Ahead Of IPL 2023
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