Veteran Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav has expressed his strong desire to make a return to the national team, acknowledging the reality of selection with humility by stating, “I cannot select myself.” The 36-year-old pacer, who has been on the fringes of international cricket in recent years, remains determined to wear the India jersey again and believes he still has plenty to offer, especially in red-ball cricket.
Umesh Yadav, known for his raw pace and ability to extract bounce on unresponsive surfaces, last played a Test for India in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Since then, younger seamers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep have entered the fold, while senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have led the attack. But despite the changing landscape, Umesh has not given up on his dreams.
In a recent interaction, Umesh said, “I’ve always been committed to playing for India. I’m training hard, bowling long spells in domestic cricket, and keeping myself fit. But I can’t select myself — the selectors and management have their plans. All I can do is be ready when an opportunity comes.”
Umesh has been a loyal servant of Indian cricket, particularly in Tests, where he has delivered crucial spells both at home and overseas. With 170 wickets in 57 Tests, his experience is invaluable, especially considering India’s upcoming Test assignments, including tours of Australia and South Africa. He has often played the enforcer’s role in Indian conditions, maintaining relentless pressure with reverse swing and stamina.
Despite limited appearances for the national side recently, Umesh has remained active in the domestic circuit and in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in IPL 2024, where his performance, though not headline-grabbing, was consistent enough to show he still has the rhythm and sharpness to compete at the highest level. He also featured for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, bowling long spells and guiding younger bowlers in the squad.
The competition for spots in the Indian pace attack has never been fiercer. With rising names like Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Prasidh Krishna pushing for inclusion, and Shardul Thakur offering an all-round option, the selectors have a wealth of choices. Umesh task is uphill, but his determination is unmistakable.
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