IPL 2022: It all depends on selectors and team management – Umesh Yadav eyes T20 World Cup squad berth

India’s experienced fast bowler Umesh Yadav has definitely put his hat in the ring for India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Yadav, who isn’t a regular in India’s limited-overs squad, has impressed in the 15th edition of the ongoing Indian Premier League.

The veteran pacer has scalped 10 wickets in six matches while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. The 34-year-old pacer has bowled with extra pace in the powerplay overs and he has got the ball to swing both ways.

Yadav had returned with impressive figures of 4-23 against Punjab Kings and has played a key role in the success of his team this season. The pacer is doing a fine job for KKR and he would look to continue the good show. Yadav doesn’t want to think too far ahead and wants to focus on one game at a time.

In fact, Yadav hasn’t even been a regular in the Test team as he mostly plays in the home conditions. The fast bowler had played his last ODI back in 2018 whereas his previous T20I appearance came back in 2019 against Australia.

“I haven’t thought that far (World Cup). It will all depend on the selectors and the team management. India will play several white-ball matches before the mega event and I have to first make it to those squads and keep performing there. Of course, the World Cup remains at the back of my mind, but as a cricketer, I set small goals and try to achieve those in phases,” Umesh said during a conversation with the Times of India.

“I always believed in keeping things simple. I have not done anything special, but have kept working on my weaknesses in between and focused on my strengths,” the 34-year-old said about his preparation in the run-up to this IPL. In IPL, you need to have a big heart as there is every possibility of being hit someday. But it’s important not to lose your focus and keep a strong mind,” he said.

Yadav conceded 31 runs in his quota of four overs in the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad but went wicketless. Furthermore, he was expensive in his spell as he was taken for 48 runs against Delhi Capitals. Thus, he will look to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.

KKR will next face Rajasthan Royals at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Monday.