'I need to do well in IPL and make a comeback in ODI format' - Umesh Yadav eyes spot in 2023 ODI World Cup squad

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) will be crucial for many Indian cricketers as their performance in the tournament would help them raise a case to be a part of the 2023 ODI World Cup squad. The IPL 2023 will get underway on Friday, March 31 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Notably, the 50-over World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and will reportedly commence on October 5.

Veteran Indian pacer Umesh Yadav is one of the players who is hoping to book a spot in the ODI World Cup squad through the IPL. The 35-year-old bowler has been representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since 2022. Notably, this is his second stint with the two-time champions.   

While speaking to Aaj Tak, Yadav said that the upcoming World Cup might be his last. He is hoping to perform well in the IPL to come back to the ODI format. He also said that he cannot wait for another four years to participate in the ODI World Cup. 

“The ODI World Cup is played after every four years and this can be my last opportunity to be a part of it. So I need to do well in IPL and make a comeback in ODI format," Umesh told Aaj Tak.

“As I said the World Cup comes after every four years and I'm not sure if I'll be around then. Hence I want to make this season count and not wait for another four years,” he added.

Umesh Yadav made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Zimbabwe in May 2010 and he last played an ODI in 2018. Recently, he played for India in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Indore and scalped three wickets in Australia's first innings. The 35-year-old achieved a milestone, picking 100 Test wickets on Indian soil in 31 Tests. 

Kolkata Knight Riders to start proceedings on April 1

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Punjab Kings in their opening match of the IPL 2023 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh on April 1. KKR have already been hit by early misfortunes as skipper Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the tournament, at least for the first half of it. This made way for batting-allrounder Nitish Rana to take up the reins of the team.

Similarly, Punjab Kings will be missing the services of swashbuckling gloveman Jonny Bairstow who was earlier denied NOC by the England and Wales Cricket Board in order to keep him fresh for the Ashes.

Thus, with both teams taking the field in the absence of their key players, a lot will depend on the veterans on both sides to step up and put their best foot forward, in order to help their respective franchises pick up a win in the first match.

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS App Store and Google Play Store