World Cup remains at the back of my mind, asserts Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has been the most successful bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders this season, with 10 wickets from six games and with a specialization of bowling in the powerplay. His success rubbed on the team in the first few games, with the KKR unit defying the pre-season predictions to get to the top of the table before being ousted by Gujarat Titans.

However, Umesh is not thinking too far ahead into the future and wants to do well in the IPL so that he can tick the small goals he has in mind. 

"I haven't thought that far (WC). It will all depend on the selectors and the team management," he told TOI during an interaction. "India will play a number of white-ball matches before the mega event and I have to first make it to those squads and keep performing there. Of course, the World Cup remains at the back of my mind, but as a cricketer, I set small goals and try to achieve those in phases," he added.

After playing only three games for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020, Umesh was benched for the entire 2021 season by Delhi Capitals but has made a rip-roaring comeback this season. He has clearly worked on his weaknesses in between to ensure he has become more effective with the new ball.

"I always believed in keeping things simple. I have not done anything special, but have kept working on my weaknesses in between and focused on my strengths," the 34-year-old said about his preparation in the run-up to this IPL.

"In IPL, you need to have a big heart as there is every possibility of being hit some day. But it's important not to lose your focus and keep a strong mind," he said.