LSG vs KKR IPL 2022: Why is Umesh Yadav Not Playing Today?

Umesh Yadav IPL 2022 LSG vs KKR: In a massive breaking news, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) premier wicket-taking pacer Umesh Yadav is not playing the today Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Kolkata Knight Riders have not had the best of performances especially after a brilliant start to the T20 season. The Shreyas Iyer-led team has managed to win just 4 out of their 10 games and are slotted at the 8th position on the points table.

LSG vs KKR IPL 2022: Why is Umesh Yadav Not Playing Today?

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed the big news that Umesh Yadav misses out for this crucial game. The right-arm pacer was not available for selection after having pulled off his calf muscle. This is a huge blow for the Kolkata Knight Riders as Umesh had been bowling remarkably well and was a pivotal part of their bowling attack in this edition of the IPL.

“We will look to bowl first. Considering the wicket which looks dry and dew is not going to play a massive role on this ground. We also chased pretty well in the last game. We have got one change, unfortunately Umesh pulled his calf muscle and Harshit Rana comes in,” said Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer at the toss.

One forced change in our Playing XI!

Harshit Rana comes in for Umesh.@winzoofficial #KKRHaiTaiyaar #LSGvKKR #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/AXzl274MtZ

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 7, 2022

In the ongoing Indian Premier League 2022 season, Umesh Yadav has managed to pick up as many as 15 wickets from 10 games at an excellent economy of less than 8. He has been a regular wicket-taker for KKR this season especially in the first six overs of the powerplay.

Related: Most sixes in IPL

Umesh Yadav Stats in IPL

Matches	Wickets	Economy	IPL 2022 Performance	Recent Form
131	134	8.44	15 wickets (10 games)	1/24, 3/24, 1/31, 0/44, 0/31, 1/48, 1/25

Related: IPL 2022 Prize Money

Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Confirmed KKR Playing 11

In the absence of Umesh Yadav, the Kolkata Knight Riders have brought back young pace bowler Harshit Rana back into the playing 11. Rana previously made his IPL debut against Delhi Capitals where he returned with decent figures of 1 for 24.

KKR Playing 11
1. Aaron Finch
2. Baba Indrajith
3. Shreyas Iyer (C)
4. Nitish Rana
5. Andre Russell
6. Rinku Singh
7. Anukul Roy
8. Sunil Narine
9. Tim Southee
10. Shivam Mavi
11. Harshit Rana