Umesh Yadav was shocked and disturbed when none of the 10 IPL franchises bid for him during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 36-year-old, who was bought by Gujarat Titans for INR 5.80 crore in IPL 2024, went unsold this time despite playing 148 matches in his stints with Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, and GT.
“I have been playing for 15 year but didn’t get an IPL contract this time. It was shocking for me and I felt bad. Why would I lie? After playing close to 150 IPL games, you expect to get picked,” Umesh told Inside Sport. He played seven matches for Gujarat Titans in the 17th season and picked up eight wickets at an average of 26.25 and an economy of 10.
“It was upto the franchises or probably my name came late in the auction and they didn’t had enough monet left. I am frustated and disturbed. But I can’t change the decision,” he added.
He went for leg surgery after IPL 2024 but is confident of maintaining his speed levels. “I can still clock 140 kmph despite my leg surgery. When I am unable to bowl, I will quit cricket.”
Umesh has played 57 Tests, taking 170 wickets. His last appearance for the Indian team came in the final of the World Test Championship against Australia in 2023.
Related