Umesh Yadav likely to play Kolkata Knight Riders' next game

Indian pace spearhead Umesh Yadav, who was ruled out of the start of IPL 10 due to injury, was seen training with the KKR team in Kolkata and is likely to return to the KKR’s next game, which is also their first at the home ground, Eden Gardens.

Recuperating from a hip injury, Umesh took to Twitter to announce his comeback for KKR’s next game.

Posting a picture on Twitter of him at the gym, Yadav hinted a comeback. The Kolkata Knight Riders official handle re-shared his post.

“Ami KKR……First day with my team training time,” Yadav’s photo caption read.

Ami KKR……First day with my team training time ? pic.twitter.com/rSCSZ8rYiw

— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) April 11, 2017

KKR are in the top half of the points table, and with a win against the Kings XI Punjab, at the Eden Gardens on April 13, they could start their home games on a high note.

A much-improved bowler, Umesh was the toast of the Indian quick attack right through their long home season, bowling at impressive speeds to cause trouble to the batsmen. Against Australia last month, he took 17 wickets in four games before succumbing to an injury in his right hip.

While KKR need the services of Yadav, it also needs to be noted that the bowler is not over-used, and doesn’t suffer any more injuries during the cash-rich tournament. Umesh is very important to India’s chances in the Champions Trophy which begins in June, soon after IPL ends, and the Indian team would want him fit as a fiddle before the prestigious 50 overs tournament.

A fit-again Yadav will replace Ankit Rajpoot in the bowling line-up against Kings XI Punjab, a team that has won both their opening games.

As far as KKR opener Chris Lynn’s injury is concerned, KKR CEO tweeted, “All those anxious about Lynn. He aggravated an old injury. Being treated and under observation by KKR team.”

All those anxious abt @lynny50. He aggravated an old injury. Being treated & under observation by @KKRiders team. ? #duskiDAHAAD #AmiKKR

— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) April 11, 2017

After Lynn succumbed to a shoulder injury, the news of Umesh returning to the squad will come as a boost to the KKR side.