India fast bowler Umesh Yadav praised Gautam Gambhir’s leadership skills while recalling his time with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
The right-arm pacer started his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals in 2010 and played four seasons for them before being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. In his first season with the Kolkata team, he picked 11 wickets with best figures. of 3 for 13 to help the team win its second IPL title.
Umesh stayed with the team till 2017 before joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2018. Incidentally, Gautam Gambhir’s association with KKR as a player also came to an end after the 2017 season when he joined Delhi Capitals in 2018.
Recalling his time in KKR, Umesh Yadav said that while he cherishes the memories, he wouldn’t like to say much about it out of respect for his current IPL team. The fast bowler is currently part of the Gujarat Titans squad.
“I am now with a different franchise and the IPL is not over yet. Of course, it was a very pleasant memory, but beyond that, maybe I shouldn’t say anything more.” Umesh Yadav told RevSportz.
Talking about Gautam Gambhir with whom he debuted for KKR, he said: “I made my IPL debut with him. He is a very good leader.”
Umesh Yadav had another stint with KKR when the franchise bought him in 2022. He had a good outing in 2022 as he picked up an impressive 16 wickets in 12 games with an economy rate of just 7. In the following season, he was able to pick just 1 wicket in 8 games before being released ahead of the 2024 auction.
In IPL 2024, Umesh did not enjoy the best of outings with the bat. The pacer finished the season with 8 wickets in 7 games and had an economy rate of 10.
Gautam Gambhir and KKR aim for third title:
Meanwhile, KKR is eyeing their IPL title as they will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final of IPL 2024 on Sunday (May 26). They haven’t won the title since Gautam Gambhir led them to glory in 2014. Incidentally, Gambhir is once again associated with them as a mentor and they hope to go all the way this season.