Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Umesh Yadav has returned to form in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. Yadav warmed the benches at the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Delhi Capitals over the last two seasons. The right-arm pacer received an opportunity to play as the number one bowler for KKR this year, and he has lived up to the expectations of the team management.
In the past, Yadav played an important role in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ success. However, KKR did not retain him ahead of the IPL 2018 Auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore roped him in then. Yadav could not perform his best for RCB but he is currently holding the Purple Cap in IPL 2022 with eight wickets from three matches.
He was the Man of the Match in the first game of the season, where the Kolkata Knight Riders trounced the Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to host broadcaster after winning the award, Yadav said:
“Wickets in the powerplay is important and the Team’s role is what I carried out today. Usually I’ve been focusing on my rhythm and I’m thankful to my trainers for keeping me in shape.”
Umesh Yadav bagged a four-wicket haul against the Punjab Kings in IPL 2022
After taking two wickets each in the first two matches against the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Umesh Yadav now took a four-wicket haul against the Punjab Kings. He accounted for the wickets of Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar to complete his four-wicket haul.
Fans on Twitter lauded Yadav for his magnificent bowling performance. Here are some of the top reactions:
Umesh Yadav to be on plane for Australia for T20 World Cup? 🤔
— Aditya (@Adityakrsaha) April 1, 2022
Can anyone not be happy for Umesh Yadav. Only 2 games in the last 2 years and already 8 wickets in 3 games. He is bowling as well as he has
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 1, 2022
This is an Umesh Yadav appreciation tweet 😍
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 1, 2022
4-1-23-4 – Figures we aren't forgetting for a long long time.#KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvPBKS #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/glShXnDWOt
Umesh Yadav when some1 says Powerplay pic.twitter.com/NFAeMx16n4
— Q. (@Johannesburg149) April 1, 2022
Most Powerplay wickets in IPL since 2018
— Cricbaba (@thecricbaba) April 1, 2022
42: Deepak Chahar
28: Trent Boult
23: Umesh Yadav*
Umesh has been razor sharp this season⚔️#KKRvPBKS | #IPL2022 | #UmeshYadav
𝐔-𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐡-𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐯! 😍@KKRiders cue the 💜s if you loved that first-over 💥 by Umesh Yadav!@y_umesh | #TATAIPL #YehAbNormalHai #KKRvPBKS pic.twitter.com/oyeAHrfPEi
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 1, 2022
Umesh Yadav completed 50 wickets in Powerplay in IPL history.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2022
Umesh Yadav has taken a four wicket haul, what a bowling performance by KKR and Umesh. Absolutely rocketing!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2022
Umesh Yadav has now picked a wicket in the first over in all the 3 games he has played this season. The Indian pacer has had a sensational start to his #IPL2022 #KKRvsPBKS
— The Third Man (@thirdmantweets) April 1, 2022
What a turn-around for Umesh Yadav, played just 2 matches (0/48(4) & 0/35(3)) in IPL 2021 and then holding the Purple cap in #IPL2022 after 3 games.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2022
