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Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Umesh Yadav recently opened up about the impact of captain Shreyas Iyer on his performance in IPL 2022. The 34-year-old explained how Iyer ‘understands’, ‘supports’ and ‘backs’ him in games and is also aware of his strengths in crucial situations.  

While speaking to Sportstar, Yadav said, “When you know that you are doing well, it is fine, but when you don't do well, there is a bit of pressure. Shreyas knows that I have been around for a long time and he understands me. He supports and backs me. He knows that I can handle my game even when the chips are down.”

“He expects me to bowl to my strength and play the role that has been assigned. He has even come up to me to ask for suggestions. He is very relaxed and knows his job. He has been the best captain for me since I got a chance after such a long time.”

In the IPL 2022, Umesh Yadav is having one of the best seasons in his career as he has taken 10 wickets in six games. He is third in the Purple Cap race behind Sunrisers Hyderabad's T Natarajan and Rajasthan Royals' Yuzvendra Chahal. Yadav is bowling at an average of 16.30 this year so far.

After Gautam Gambhir, under Shreyas Iyer, this is the team to beat: Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan had also praised Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy and lauded his tactics in the game against Punjab Kings. While talking on Star Sports, Pathan said, “Very very impressive because when he started captaincy in 2018 for Delhi, he was very young and very raw. Now he has got the confidence. “

“What he has started to do is...like here when the game was starting to go away early on, Punjab started really well and they were aggressive from the start. Rajapaksa scored 9-ball 31.But Iyer called Umesh, then Mavi came - got hit for runs and then took a wicket, and then he called Varun Chakravarthy. He wanted to press the game even harder against PBKS.” 

“Then the ninth over was the key when he called Umesh and he got the wicket of Lima Livingstone and then the whole game changed. He got a nice understanding of manoeuvring the bowlers as well. He is very smart. KKR is looking very very solid as far as leadership is concerned. After Gautam Gambhir, under Shreyas Iyer, this is the team to beat,” he added.