Veteran pacer Umesh Yadav has expressed his disappointment after going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, held in November last year.
Umesh, who was picked by Gujarat Titans for INR 5.80 crore in the 2024 mini-auction, failed to attract any bidders despite a solid IPL career spanning 148 matches and stints with four franchises—Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in November saw 10 franchises signing a total of 182 players by spending Rs 639.15 Crore over two days.
Rishabh Pant (Rs 27 Crore to LSG), Shreyas Iyer (Rs 26.75 Crore to PBKS) and Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 23.75 Crore to KKR) were the three most expensive buys, while the 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi secured a deal with the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.10 Crore.
However, some leading names also failed to attract any bidders and veteran India pacer Umesh Yadav was one of them.
Nearly two months later, Umesh expressed his disappointment for going unsold in the grand auction. The speedster has an extensive experience of 148 matches in the IPL, which includes stints with Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans.
“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.
During the 2024 edition of IPL, Umesh Yadav played seven matches for Gujarat Titans, claiming eight wickets at an average of 26.25, albeit with a high economy rate of 10. However, his unsold status in the 2025 auction left the fast bowler disheartened.
“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.
Umesh Yadav underwent leg surgery following the IPL 2024 season. However, the 37-year-old is still determined to delivering high speeds on the field.
“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.”
Umesh last played for India during the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. He has represented the country in 57 Tests, 75 ODIs and 9 T20Is so far, picking up 288 wickets across formats.
