Veteran Indian pacer Umesh Yadav left ‘frustrated and disturbed’ by IPL snub

Over the last year, Umesh Yadav went from earning an INR 5.8 crore paycheque to being left out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. The 36-year-old failed to attract bids despite picking up eight wickets in IPL 2024, averaging 26.25 with the ball. 

“Everyone knows that I wasn’t selected for the IPL this year. I have been playing for 15 years. It (unsold at IPL 2025) is very shocking for me. Why should I lie? It feels bad. After playing so much and playing close to 150 IPL matches, you don’t get selected. It’s shocking,” Umesh told Inside Sport.

The 37-year-old has been one of the few quicks who has, over the years, managed to upgrade his game to the ever-evolving standards of the IPL. In 2022, the right-arm speedster not only had a stellar display for Kolkata Knight Riders (16 wickets @ 21.18) but also returned to India’s limited-overs setup. 

“It’s upon the franchises and their strategies, or my name came late in the auction, and they weren’t left with money. Regardless, something has happened. I am very frustrated and disturbed. But still, it’s okay. I can’t change anyone’s decision,” he added.

However, Umesh vowed to continue playing cricket until he can clock ‘140 kmph’. 

“After that, I had my leg surgery. Till I feel I can clock 140 kmph, I will bowl. When I won’t be able to bowl, I’ll quit cricket myself. I won’t have to tell this to anyone.”