Senior Team India pacer Umesh Yadav is currently preparing for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-arm speedster will represent two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the cash-rich tournament. Ahead of IPL 2023, Umesh spoke exclusively with Sports Tak and revealed his desire to be part of India's squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup which is scheduled to be held later in the year.
Here's the excerpt from the interview:
Q. How is the preparation for the upcoming IPL and how prepared is KKR before the first match?
A. Aim is to win the title. Boys are enjoying the practice sessions. (Chandrakant) Pandit sir is doing camp with us. Everyone is focused and the goal is the same. That is very important for us.
Q2. This year World Cup is going to be held in India. How important is this IPL for you? Also, (Jasprit) Bumrah is doubtful for World Cup.
A. Yes obviously it is running through my mind. World Cup comes once in four years. I think this will be my last world cup. Bumrah might get fit before the World Cup. I will try my best in this IPL. I hope I can make a place in the World Cup team. I hope I get a chance in IPL and I am hopeful to take place in Team India rather than waiting for another four years.
Q. World Test Championship final is coming shortly. Bumrah might not play because of injury. You may lead the pace brigade of the team. How you are looking into this?
A. This I cannot say. First I have to focus on IPL. White ball and red ball both cannot be done at the same time. If I do well in white ball then I will do well in the red ball. I will be there in the Final as well as (Mohammed) Shami and (Mohammed) Siraj will be there. The team is very good. We will do good. We are very confident and we are backing each other.
Q. Do you think KKR has more strength in bowling?
A. Yes, we have a very good bowling attack. We have experience. We have Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson. Planning is needed. We need to deliver in a disciplined way. Then we will do good.
Q. What is the one positive that can lead KKR to the title?
A. Batsmen and bowlers both have to do good. Both departments have to do well. We need to take more wickets then we can win matches.
(Note: The interview was conducted by Anirban Sinha Roy)
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