IPL 2017 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab: Umesh Yadav could be the ace up in KKR sleeve against KXIP

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav could be the focal point of Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling attack in their first home game against Kings XI Punjat at the iconic Eden Gardens on Thursday. The pacer has been included in the Kolkata squad and is likely to replace an out of place Ankit Rajpoot.

“Umesh Yadav is all geared up to make a thumping start in IPL,” KKR posted a working-out picture of the 29-year-old who tweeted: “Ami KKR... First day with my team training time.”

Earlier, there were reports that Umesh might skip the first phase of the cash-rich league.

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Yadav’s return will be a big boost to the side who lost to Mumbai Indians in their last leg in a match their star opener Chris Lynn aggravated an old injury on his left shoulder.

On spin-friendly conditions, Yadav was incisive with his new-found rhythm as he gave vital breakthroughs to finish the season as India’s third-highest wicket-taker behind Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Look who has joined the team!????@y_umesh is all geared up to make a thumping start in #IPL #DusKiDahaad #AmiKKR https://t.co/6SDmqgJenC

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 11, 2017

(With inputs from PTI)