IPL: Umesh Pleased With Current Form For KKR

Umesh Yadav might have not made the list for the tour of Bangladesh or England, but the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer has continued his impressive form in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League.

With 10 wickets from 11 matches, Umesh registered his best figures of 3/13 against Kings XI Punjab in the first Qualifier that played a crucial role in KKR's 28-run win. "The way I have bowled, is good for me. I am getting back into my rhythm. I am enjoying bowling; I am swinging the ball, getting the line and length right and also I am able to get the variations," Umesh said in an interview with IPLT20.com.

Umesh started off by dismissing the dangerous Virender Sehwag (2) in the second over and followed it up with the wickets of Glenn Maxwell (6) and George Bailey (26). According to him, Sehwag's wicket was huge in the context of the game.

"We had thought about getting him in the beginning, because whatever pressure will be created, it will be created by Viru paaji. He is an experienced opening batsman and can score briskly. If he plays out the new ball, it becomes easier for the batsmen coming in later. His was a huge wicket for us.

"As such, I had planned on just concentrating on the basics. I was just focusing on bowling the right line and length. If I swing the ball from the off-stump line, it will be difficult for him to play. I had the chance, so I just worked on bowling my best, and my length was perfect."

The 26-year-old also spoke about Maxwell's wicket saying bowling to him in the right areas was the key. "He is a big-hitting batsman and starts to hit from the word go. So, I had I had decided in my mind that I will not bowl in the areas where they can't hit easily. So, I was varying my deliveries. I tried a few things and eventually got his wicket. Facing a few dot-balls and not getting to hit the way he likes frustrated him and that was the reason I got the wicket."

Umesh also said his sessions with bowling coach Wasim Akram has been beneficial and has helped him learn a lot.

"I have learnt a lot from him. Cricket is also a mind game, and at the same time, it is important to remain calm in order to tackle different situations. Among other things, I have also learnt from him how to remain calm and how to plan for batsmen. He doesn't get into the technique or try to change your action. He says, 'If you try to do that, then it will be difficult for you. So it is better to maintain what you already have.'"