Umesh Yadav, an experienced Indian cricketer, believes his time with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) will be great. The excitement comes from playing again with 2015 World Cup comrades Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma.
This seasoned right-hand bowler, once part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was bought by Gujarat Titans for ₹5.8 crore. This happened at the mini-auction in Dubai last Tuesday.
In a talk with JioCinema, he unveiled his excitement to team up with Shami and Sharma. He acknowledged that being selected by GT reminded him of their shared World Cup moments back in 2015.
“It has been quite a while since Shami, Mohit Sharma and me were part of the 2015 World Cup squad. Those memories are coming back. The way Shami is bowling now, I feel we will have a lot of fun. We have had a partnership with the red ball and I feel he will be bowling with the new ball. So, we will have to work on strategies for the middle overs.”
Umesh Yadav
While admitting that playing for a new club under new management may be difficult, he emphasized that the presence of old pals Shami and Sharma will be beneficial.
“You have to deal with a new management, new team, and a new environment. So, all these factors have to be considered. I take some time to open up to people. But I feel this will be the best team for me because Shami and Mohit are there. They are my old friends and we’ll get a chance to play together.”
Umesh Yadav
In the 2015 World Cup, hosted by Australia-New Zealand, the right-arm bowler nabbed 18 wickets. A close second, Shami secured 17, while Sharma managed a respectable 13.
“To go to a team where Ashish Nehra is the coach is great” – Umesh Yadav
Umesh stated that his recent experiences at the IPL auction have been disappointing. He did, however, express his gratitude to GT for selecting him because he now get the opportunity to play under coach Ashish Nehra.
He praised the former India left-arm seamer, saying:
“The main thing for me was to get picked. I know all the teams were looking out for Indian fast bowlers, so I knew I would go somewhere, but to go to a team where Ashish Nehra is the coach is great. I have worked with him previously and know the way he trains players and the way he manages the atmosphere in the dressing room.”
Umesh Yadav
With an average of 30.04 and an economy rate of 8.38, Umesh has taken 136 wickets in 141 IPL games.