Team India will be playing in two major ICC tournaments this year. They have secured their place in the World Test Championship final for the second consecutive time and will face Australia at the Oval in June.
After that, the attention will shift to the ODI World Cup, where India will be the host of the quadrennial event later this year. The Men in Blue last won an ICC title in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy in England and Wales.
In an exclusive chat with India Today, speedster Umesh Yadav expressed his keenness to do well in the WTC final in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Umesh, who is set to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2023 edition of IPL, also wants to be a part of India’s squad for the 50-over World Cup.
“Yes, obviously, this is running in my mind. The World Cup comes once in 4 years. I think this will be my last World Cup. And Bumrah maybe he will get fit before the World Cup. I will try my best in this IPL. I hope I can be a part of the World Cup team as it will come again in 4 years. I hope I will get the chance in IPL and am hopeful to find a spot in Team India instead of waiting for the next 4 years,” he stated.
On being asked he might lead the Indian pace attack in the WTC final, Umesh said: “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 cricket, alternatively I will do well in red-ball cricket as well. I will be there in the WTC Final as well as Shami and Siraj. The team is very good. We will do well. We are very confident and are backing each other.”
Umesh Yadav also opened up on KKR’s preparations ahead of their tournament opener against Punjab Kings in Mohali on April 1.
“The aim is to win the title, winning the IPL trophy. The boys are enjoying the practice sessions. 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.”
He also believes that the Knight Riders have a very strong bowling attack.
“Yes, we have a very good bowling attack. We have experience. We have Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson. We need to deliver in a disciplinary way, and then we will do well.”
