I am not the only bowler who gets hit in the death overs: Umesh Yadav

India and Kolkata Knight Riders seamer Umesh Yadav has hit back at his critics, stating that he isn't the only bowler who gets hammered during the death overs.

Umesh has been on a roll as a powerplay bowler for the Knight Riders this season, but his death bowling has proved inadequate.

He was taken for 28 runs in the two death overs that he has delivered this season- vs the Delhi Capitals.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo', the 'Vidarbha Express' came down hard on his critics for singling him out when it comes to death bowling.

He said, "A lot of people say this, but it goes both ways. I am not the only bowler who gets hit in the death overs; there are plenty of other bowlers too. But, you pick up any bowler, no matter how good he is, there is not a single bowler who has not been hit in the slog overs. 

When you are continuously bowling, you get used to it. But when you don't do that for a couple of years and then suddenly start bowling at the death again, you definitely don't have that much of an idea."

"When you are consistently bowling at the death, you know where your bowling stands. You are not a machine that someone can set and presume the yorkers will land immediately. I might have given a lot of runs in the death overs, but I am not alone for sure. I am not sure why but somehow, I get scrutinised. Maybe it is because I am a senior bowler."

Umesh has had a poor time in the IPL in the past few seasons. He featured in just two games for the Royal Challengers across the last two seasons. The right-hander nearly went unsold at the recent mega-auction before being picked in the final round by his former franchise at the base price of Rs 2 Crore.

For Umesh, it's all about proving that he has still got it, not to anyone else.

"I don't think I need to prove anything to anyone, but yes, I need to prove to myself that I still can keep improving myself. So I am just trying to support my team and my country with my cricket in whatever years I am left with," said Umesh.

"When you are unsold in the auction two to three times, you don't know what will happen. When the first round of the auction took place, most fast bowlers of my group were sold; I was the only one unsold. So you feel that maybe you might not get a chance this time,' he added.

The right-handed seamer expressed delight at being picked by a franchise he has represented the most since making his IPL debut.

"And then one of your older teams picks you, a team with whom your experience has been good, a team that gave you the first feel and enjoyment of the IPL because you have won the cup with them, then definitely the feeling is great. 

You feel something good will happen because the same team has recalled you. I have been on very good terms with KKR, so I was sure I would get a chance." he added.

Umesh and KKR will hope that the right-arm seamer continues with the good work for the rest of the season.