Gujarat Titans veteran fast bowler Umesh Yadav is hopeful of making it to the playoffs. GT has won five out of their 12 matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League and the last two games are must-win matches for them.
Not only will they have to win these two games but also they will need to win by a comprehensive margin to boost their Net Run Rate. GT won their previous match against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings by 35 runs after Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan scored fine centuries.
GT will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Monday and they will need to bring their best against an in-form opposition.
“Definitely, there are a lot of possibilities,” Yadav told the media at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, ahead of their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, who have already qualified for the playoffs.
“The plan is to play our game and try and win both the (remaining) games. If we try to win by a good margin… even Gill says he has seen miracles happening with this team. We are trying our best,” Yadav added.
“If there are any ups and downs for the top-placed teams and we get to 14 points then… Everyone wants to be there (in the playoffs).”
Meanwhile, GT won the IPL title in 2022 in their debut season and then made it to the final in the previous season. Yadav said they are looking to grab their chances.
“In the last two years, we won one final and were the runner-up in the other, so we are trying to grab our chances,” he added.
Yadav feels attacking the stump and bowling a good line to Sunil Narine will be the key for them against the pugnacious left-hander.
“He was not opening for KKR when I was there at the franchise for two years. However, he is back as an opener this year. But you must have also seen his dismissal in the last match where in he was bowled (by Jasprit Bumrah).”
“We will try to hit the deck, attack the stumps and swing the ball — that would give the best chance to dismiss him since he is being sent to make quick runs and he has been able to do that,” he said.
Umesh Yadav has picked eight wickets in seven matches of IPL 2024 for GT.
