IPL 2022: Can’t see why Umesh would not do well for India, says Tim Southee

Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Tim Southee showered praise on Umesh Yadav after the latter has made an impressive start to the season. The New Zealander stated that he can’t see why Umesh Yadav would not do well for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup. Yadav mostly plays Test matches for India in home conditions as he has a good record but he isn’t a regular in the limited-overs format.

However, the fast bowler has been in sublime form in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2022. The experienced pacer has scalped 10 wickets in five matches and he is currently the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Umesh has bowled with an impressive average of 13.20 and he has bowled with a fine economy rate of six.

The 34-year-old has bowled with impressive pace in the powerplay overs and he has been right on the money with his line and length. Yadav has troubled the opposition batters with his extra pace and he has also got the ball to swing in the first six overs.

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.

”I’m a fan of Umesh, he is a tremendous bowler. I was fortunate enough to share the new ball with him a few times when we both played at RCB,” Southee said in an interview to PTI.

IPL 2022 is considered an audition for the T20 World Cup, which will be played in Australia later in the year and Umesh Yadav has made a case for himself after an impressive start to the season.

“The way he’s been managed suits Umesh’s style of bowling. If he keeps performing the way he’s been doing I can’t see why he would not do well for India in T20 cricket,” he said.

”He’s had a strong start to the tournament. To open the bowling with some of the great bowlers, and someone who you don’t usually get to deal with, that’s the beauty of this tournament. You are able to open the bowling with a very fine Indian fast bowler,’ Southee said.

The accuracy has been Umesh Yadav’s Achilles Heel in the past however he has certainly worked hard on the same and he is reaping rewards for the same. Yadav will want to continue the good show for KKR in the upcoming matches. KKR will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.