IPL 2019: Best opening bowler for each team

#7 Royal Challengers Bangalore - Umesh Yadav

This is a no-brainer. Umesh Yadav was the standout bowler for the RCB side last year and bowled more than 75% of his overs in the power play. He's a strike bowler and is known for his ability to take early wickets and trouble opposition openers. Umesh picked up 20 wickets in 14 matches and was on a roll with the new ball in hand. His economy of 7.86 shows that he didn't leak too many runs in the power play.

His bowling strike-rate and average of 15.95 and 20.80 illustrate his ability and he easily trumps competition with players like Siraj, Coulter-Nile or even Marcus Stoinis. Yadav swings the ball very well and bowls at an excess of 140 KPH, even hitting the fringes of the 150-mark. A well tried and tested out player, Umesh Yadav should open the bowling for RCB.

About the author

Shreyas is a cricket and Indian sports writer at Sportskeeda. He has over 6.5 years of experience and writes news, listicles, fantasy, and more.

Shreyas has always followed cricket and enjoys the aspect of the sport that leads to players having to adapt to different formats. ODI is his favorite format, but he hopes the rule of two new balls is scrapped. He has also played cricket and football at the school level.

Shreyas has written over 2,500 articles for Sportskeeda, including live text commentary for multiple Indian sports. He worked extensively during the Olympics, Asian Games, and the Pro Kabaddi League. He ensures to cite only verified sources and is careful about being respectful towards every player and team.

Shreyas admires KL Rahul for his elegance and personality, and Shardul Thakur for his resilience. He supports the Punjab Kings in the IPL and the New Zealand cricket team internationally.

When not working, he enjoys playing different sports.

Know More

Get real-time updates on IPL 2025, live scores, IPL Prediction, match schedule, points table,Result & squad -CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee