It’s been two years since Umesh Yadav last represented India, his most recent appearance coming during the ICC World Test Championship final in London, a match that ended in a crushing 209-run defeat to Australia. That loss led to several senior players being dropped, Umesh Yadav among them, and marked a significant turning point in his international career.
The landscape of Indian Test cricket has shifted dramatically since then. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from the format, while Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been sidelined to domestic cricket duties.
A new era has begun under the leadership of Shubman Gill who will captain India in the upcoming five-Test series in England. But despite being out of the national setup, Umesh Yadav hasn’t given up on his dream of making a return.
The 37 years old pacer recently underwent surgery and is currently in recovery from a leg muscle injury. Speaking to a sport portal, Umesh Yadav explained that his comeback efforts are ongoing. He acknowledged that selection is not in his hands but he is focusing on regaining fitness and playing competitive matches to make a strong case for his return. His goal remains clear, i.e., to earn a place back in the Indian squad through performance and persistence.
With 170 wickets from 57 Test matches, Umesh Yadav has been a consistent performer over the years. His record in India stands out, he has claimed 101 wickets from 32 home Tests at an average of 25.88, showcasing his effectiveness on sub-continental pitches.
Reflecting on his journey, Umesh Yadav spoke candidly about his humble beginnings and natural affinity for fast bowling. Coming from a coal miner’s family, he never imagined he would play for India. He never trained in formal academies or under professional coaches in his early years, relying instead on raw talent and instinct. He firmly believes that fast bowling is a gift one is born with and not something that can be manufactured.
Umesh Yadav’s last competitive appearance came in November 2024 during a T20 match for Vidarbha. As he continues his rehabilitation, the experienced pacer remains hopeful that the road to redemption still lies ahead, guided by hard work, resilience and a deep passion for the game.
Good Luck!
