Umesh Yadav, the veteran Indian fast bowler, is hoping to make a comeback to the Indian white-ball setup by performing well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. Yadav believes that this year’s IPL will be a platform for him to showcase his skills and secure a spot in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in India later this year.
In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Yadav spoke about his desire to make this IPL season count and make a comeback in the ODI format. The right-arm pacer has not played an ODI match for India since 2018 and is aware that the World Cup only happens once every four years, so this could be his last opportunity to represent India at the marquee event.
Yadav played a crucial role in India’s campaign in the 2015 World Cup in Australia, where he took 18 wickets in the tournament to help the team reach the semi-finals. However, he has not been a part of the Indian ODI setup since then.
Also Read: ‘Umesh would often come and ask, ‘Why have you dropped me?’ Then he’d get angry and not speak to me for a day’: Bharat Arun recalls an unknown incident
The 35-year-old was recalled to the Indian T20I squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup but represented India in only one match. After the tournament, the team management decided to move on from Yadav.
Yadav is now a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the upcoming edition of the IPL. He performed well in the last season, taking 16 wickets in 12 matches with an economy rate of 7.06. KKR will play their first match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Punjab Cricket Association’s IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on April 1.
Yadav’s determination to make a comeback in the ODI format and represent India at the World Cup shows his commitment to the game. He will be hoping to put in a strong performance in the IPL and catch the selectors’ eye for a spot in the Indian squad.