Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav is eyeing a comeback to the ODI format during the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 34-year-old last played an ODI for India in December 2019 and has since struggled with injuries, which have limited his opportunities with the national team.

Yadav, who has played 75 ODIs for India, is confident that he can make a successful comeback and is targeting the 2023 IPL as a platform to showcase his abilities. The right-arm pacer has been in good form in the IPL, representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

“I am focusing on the upcoming IPL and performing well for RCB. I believe that a good performance in the IPL will help me in making a comeback to the Indian team in the ODI format. I have been working hard on my fitness and skills, and I am confident that I can perform at the highest level.”

Yadav said, speaking to the media.

Talking to the media about his ambitions to play in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, Umesh said that he needed to do well in the IPL 2023 to stake a claim in the Indian squad.

“The ODI World Cup is played after every four years and this can be my last opportunity to be a part of it. So I need to do well in IPL and make a comeback in ODI format. As I said the World Cup comes after every four years and I’m not sure if I’ll be around then. Hence I want to make this season count and not wait for another four years.”

He said.

Umesh Yadav has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and has a good record in the IPL

He has taken 119 wickets in 121 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.45. His ability to bowl fast and swing the ball has made him a potent weapon for RCB, and he will be looking to replicate his form in the upcoming season.

Yadav’s comeback to the Indian team will depend on his performance in the IPL, and he will face tough competition from the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Deepak Chahar. However, Yadav is up for the challenge and is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I know that the competition for places in the Indian team is tough, but I am ready for the challenge. I have played enough cricket to know what it takes to perform at the highest level, and I am confident that I can make a successful comeback,”

Yadav added.

Umesh Yadav has indeed made the statement that “This can be my last World Cup,” it suggests that he is aware of the challenges of making a comeback to the Indian team and is looking to make the most of his opportunities. It also indicates that he may be considering retiring from international cricket after the next World Cup.

“Guys like Umesh, Shami don’t need to be playing a particular format to succeed at it. They have proven themselves. It’s the quality. Young guys need to prove themselves but not them. If they are fit and available they will be called back. We don’t need to look at the form. We saw how well Umesh Yadav bowled in the IPL. He bowled pretty well. He gives us an option to use upfront with the new ball, swings the ball, bowls fast so not much debate about him,”

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma had then said about Umesh Yadav’s comeback to India’s T20I team.

In conclusion, Umesh Yadav is targeting the 2023 IPL as a platform to make a comeback to the Indian ODI team. The fast bowler is working hard on his fitness and skills and is confident of performing well in the IPL. If he can replicate his form from previous IPL seasons, Yadav could become a vital asset for India in the ODI format.