Out-of-favor pacer Umesh Yadav has talked about the lack of support he got from his home cricket association, Vidarbha, after he got injured. He also spoke about the lack of clarity from the BCCI selectors, given that he last played for India in the WTC 2023 final against Australia.
The generation that saw the rise of gifted Indian pacers includes Umesh Yadav. He bowled at over 140 kmph on a regular basis. Hailing from Vidarbha, Umesh Yadav went on to play nine T20Is, 75 ODIs, and 57 Tests for India.
The 38-year-old, who will turn 39 on October 25, is still playing domestic cricket for India and still has aspirations of returning to the country.
"Look, I don't think it's ever too late. It depends. I feel any selection should be based on a player's performance and fitness, not age criteria. Because if you feel that a guy's age is 37 or 38, and he can't run or bowl, then it's okay to say straightforwardly, 'Brother, you can't do it anymore; neither is your ball doing the talking, nor are you bowling as fast, and in the field too, you don't look as fit as you used to.' You can say that straight away," Umesh Yadav told Times Now.
Since his last appearance for India in 2023, injuries and the emergence of younger and faster pacers have dented Umesh Yadav’s return prospects. His case is similar to that of Mohammad Shami, who has not featured for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Umesh called for greater clarity from BCCI selectors to make life easier for players.
"If you, as a selector, have thought of something, pass it on to the player. That's much better than not communicating and leaving them unsure whether you'll select them. Just speak clearly; that's much better than living in false hope that it will happen. If things are crystal clear, you can choose a better next step. But everyone knows who doesn't want to represent their country again, who doesn't want to make a comeback?" he said.
"Shami had an Achilles tendon issue where 20% was affected, along with a little heel bone injury at the back. Mine was 50%; it ruptured and tore apart and had to be stitched back together with grafting. After that, when I made a comeback, it took me a full year just doing rehab. Because during rehab, one or two other niggles crop up that you might not even know about. But all those things happened. Still, Shami came back and played, but he got support from his state (Bengal), whereas I got the opposite," Umesh explained.
Umesh Yadav switched from Vidarbha to Punjab ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. He rued the lack of support from his home association after he got injured and the reason behind his move to Punjab.
"When I came back, I didn't get that kind of support and backup from there that should have been given. There, it was more about getting Umesh out of the picture. The (Vidarbha) coach was very happy, thinking, 'There's only one guy left, one senior left. If he goes out, my word will be heard everywhere, and whatever I say will happen. "Those things happened," Yadav stated.
"So, I believe clarity is very important. Whether Shami performs well and gets selected or not, clear guidance will help him a lot. Because whether it's Shami or me, we love this sport; we have been playing it since childhood. So whatever cricket we have left in us, we will give it; we will play that cricket—but playing with clarity makes it much better," he added.
Umesh Yadav picked 5/70 on his debut for Punjab against Assam in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2026/27 as Assam folded for 373 runs in the first innings. This is despite centuries by Denish Das and Sibshankar Roy.
(Times Now inputs)
