IPL 2022 LIVE: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Tim Southee has heaped praise on his new-ball partner Umesh Yadav, calling him a “tremendous bowler”.

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Yadav has been on fire for KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The fast bowler has picked up 10 wickets in five games and he currently stands second in the list of most wickets in the ongoing tournament. Out of the 10 scalps, six have come in the powerplay overs.

“I’m a fan of Umesh, he is a tremendous bowler. I was fortunate enough to share the new ball with him a few times when we both played at RCB. The way he’s been managed suits Umesh’s style of bowling. If he keeps performing the way he’s been doing I can’t see why he would not do well for India in T20 cricket,” said Southee.

PTI

The Kiwi pacer has credited KKR for using Umesh outstandingly. KKR head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Shreyas Iyer have used him as an “attacking weapon” with the new ball, maximising his strengths with the new ball and coming back in the middle overs to try and pick up wickets to make the phase a bit easier, according to Southee.

IPL 2022 LIVE: I Don’t See Why Umesh Yadav Can’t Do Well for India in T20s, Says Tim Southee
IPL 2022 LIVE: I Don’t See Why Umesh Yadav Can’t Do Well for India in T20s, Says Tim Southee

Yadav, who played for KKR between 2014 and 2017, returned to the team after the two-time champions bought him at the IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 2 crore. The 34-year-old bowler, who has been playing in the IPL since 2010, has so far bagged 129 wickets over the years. His best figures in the IPL are 4 for 23.

Meanwhile, Southee, who has played two games for KKR this season, has hailed the side for having a fine blend of local talent and experience.

“It’s really exciting. You look at the experience and the pace that the three have and then we throw in the exciting talents of the young Indian bowlers who we have on our side. On top of that you have got two of the great mystery spinners of the game so I think as a bowling attack that covers all the bases. It’s great to be a part of such a great lineup. You got the experience of Sunil Narine, Pat [Cummins], and Umesh and then throw in some exciting young Indian talents, it’s great to be around,” the BlackCaps bowler added further. Get the latest IPL betting tips and match guides for the 2022 season here on our site.

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