IPL 2023: Umesh Yadav Aims to Win the Coveted IPL Trophy for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Umesh Yadav is aiming to win the coveted IPL trophy this upcoming season. After being retained for INR 2 crore by KKR ahead of the IPL 2023 auction, the right-arm seamer will be looking to repay the faith with stunning performances with the ball.

Maintaining a great line and length, the 34-year-old fast bowler was sensational with the ball in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He picked 16 wickets from 12 matches at a remarkable average of 21.19 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His economy rate was also very impressive during the entire season as it was just a little more than 7.

Umesh grabbed eyeballs due to his exploits in powerplay overs. He was very effective for KKR last season, especially with the new ball, giving crucial breakthroughs in the power play-overs. The Vidarbha express took eight wickets at 24.87 in powerplay overs throughout the season. He maintained an excellent economic rate of 6.41. KKR’s pace bowling spearhead greatly benefitted from bowling on the pitches in Maharashtra and was potent with the new ball. He held the Purple Cap for a good portion of the season before the spinners- Yuzvendra Chahal and Wanindu Hasaranga took over.

Umesh Optimistic About KKR’s Chances

Speaking ahead of the upcoming season, Umesh said that the team is enjoying the practice sessions, and everyone on the team is focused on winning the trophy. Umeh insists that KKR has a very good bowling attack with the likes of Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson in their ranks.

“The aim is to win the title, winning the IPL trophy. The boys are enjoying the practice sessions. (Chandrakant) 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. Yes, we have a very good bowling attack. We’ve experience. We have Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson. We need to deliver in a disciplinary way, and then we will do well,” Umesh Yadav told India Today.

KKR will be playing half of their group league matches at the home ground in Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The fast-bowling-friendly ground that Eden has become after the pitch was remade in 2017, has made it a spectacle to see fast bowlers run in and bowl. With Kolkata pitch offering assistance to the bowlers, Umesh is going to make him a difficult bowler to face. Under the new leadership of Nitish Rana, KKR will open their IPL 2023 campaign with a contest against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Saturday, April 1.