5 players India should try ahead of the World Cup

#2 Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has been warming the benches of the national team across formats for a while now. In 2018, he played just 14 matches (5 Tests, 4 ODIs and 5 T20Is) for India. He was excellent with the red ball in India but failed to replicate his performances overseas.

In the shorter formats, he blew hot and cold throughout the year. He picked four wickets in as many games in ODI cricket while he took 8 wickets in five T20Is. However, he had a wonderful IPL where he took 20 wickets in the season and was excellent with the new ball.

He hasn’t had too many opportunities in white-ball cricket in the recent past. After a couple of poor outings against the Windies at home, he was axed from the team.

However, he’s roared back into form, bowling a couple of match-winning spells in the Ranji Trophy quarters and semis. Hence, he could be a useful option going into the World Cup.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have been injury-prone and he could fill in as a replacement or even be used as a fourth seamer (if India opt to go in with four pacers in addition to Hardik Pandya).