Follow UsOver 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.”