Xtra Time Web Desk: India speedstar Umesh Yadav will be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL season. He had played for the team earlier as well. The franchise bought the pacer at the base price of INR 2 crore.
Umesh was a part of the victorius KKR team, that won the IPL title in the 2014.
In an exclusive interview with Times Of India, Yadav was asked about his feelings after coming back to Kolkata Knight Riders, where Umesh had won the IPL title earlier (2014). Umesh also said that so far people do not consider him worthy of white ball cricket.
Umesh says, “Over the last five-six years, I have traveled a lot. I played for KKR and then for RCB and Delhi. Now back to KKR. So it was a very difficult tour for me. I’ve played a lot of red-ball cricket, so many people think I can’t play white. In 2020, I played only two matches for RCB. Then I joined Delhi Capitals and I didn’t get a chance in any of the matches. A lot of big gaps are gone. I haven’t played white ball cricket in a long time. Not only in IPL, but also for the country. ”
Yadav further added, “We need opportunities to perform in white ball cricket. In that case, it would not be a different matter if this player is an expert on red ball or white ball. If you don’t get a chance in white ball cricket, how do you prove yourself? Not only me, there are many senior players who are performing well in red ball cricket but are not getting a chance in IPL. ”
Kolkata bought Umesh at the very end of the last auction. to which Umesh answered, “When my name came up in the last auction, I was unsold. When my name came up a second time, I was unsold again. KKR picks me up when my name comes up for the third time. I am very grateful to KKR for choosing me and for trusting me. I played in KKR from 2014 to 2016 and had a good relationship with them. ”
Umesh was asked if he wants to return to limited overs cricket for the country through IPL? He replied with positive response “Of course. Being able to rejoin KKR is a good thing that happened to me. I hope to play more matches and give the message that I can also play white ball. If I do well, I am sure selectors will look at me and give me a chance in limited overs cricket again. And for that, I have to give my best in IPL. I have to work harder for this opportunity. I am sure I will be able to play white ball cricket for India again. “
The 34 year old concluded with, “I am very happy and excited to be back at KKR. I am sure our captain Shreyas will be able to win the KKR title again. We have a strong squad. I was part of the team in 2014, when we won the title, and I’m happy to be back. “