Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer, Umesh Yadav is confident that the new KKR skipper, Shreyas Iyer will take the franchise to a title win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Umesh was bought by the franchise at the IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 2 crore and he had last played for the franchise in 2017.

Speaking to Times of India, Umesh said, “I am really happy and excited to be back at KKR again. I am sure our captain Shreyas will take KKR to a title win. We have got a strong squad. I was part of this squad in 2014 when they won the title and I am happy to be back.”

ALSO READ: Dewald Brevis Smashed A Few No-look Shots During MI’s Practice Session

So far, Umesh Yadav has scalped 119 wickets in 121 IPL matches. The veteran fast bowler thanked the Purple and Gold brigade for believing in him. He was unsold twice in the 2022 auction before KKR acquired him at his base price of INR 2 crore on the third attempt.

During the chat with MI, Umesh Yadav said, “When my name came up in the last auction, I went unsold. When my name came up for the second time, I again went unsold. KKR picked me up when my name was called for the third time. I am really thankful to KKR for picking me and showing faith in me. I played for KKR from 2014 to 2017 and maintained a good relationship with them.”

ALSO READ: Former Coach Reveals His First Conversation With MS Dhoni

KKR, the last season’s IPL finalists, will open their IPL 2022 campaign against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the season opener on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. CSK will also be under the new captain as MS Dhoni has left the captaincy and handed the reins to Ravindra Jadeja.