A total of 182 players were sold at a combined fee of a whopping Rs 639.15 crore at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. However, one bowler, who is among the top ten highest wicket-taking pacers in the league, didn’t find any takers. We are talking about Umesh Yadav, who won the IPL 2014 with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, he was amongst the few big names who remained unsold at the mega auction and the Indian international has admitted that it left him heartbroken.
Umesh Yadav was “shocked” after IPL 2025 mega auction
While speaking exclusively to InsideSport, Umesh revealed that he was shocked to go unsold at the mega event, considering his past achievements in the league. The speedster, who has 288 international wickets for India, hoped for a team to bid for him but it wasn’t to be. While his age (37) might be a factor, Umesh disclosed that after playing almost 150 IPL games, he would’ve definitely hoped to play IPL 2025.
“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. It’s upon the franchises and their strategies or my name came late in the auction and they didn’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,” said Umesh to InsideSport.
Umesh Yadav set his base price at Rs 2 crore at the recent auction in Jeddah but no team raised their paddle for him. He started his IPL career with Delhi before finding success with KKR. He played under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy and even credited the current Indian head coach for his leadership. Read more about it here: Amid ‘hypocrisy’ criticism on Gambhir, Umesh backs India coach.
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Umesh Yadav: Not retiring soon
Right after the IPL auction, Umesh underwent a leg surgery. He shared the news on his social media as well, revealing that he is yet to bow down to injuries. The former RCB pacer also feels that he will continue bowling till he clocks 140 kmph. Currently, his body is giving great signals.
“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 Yadav IPL career
Team | Season | Mat | Inns | W | Best | Avg | S/R | E/R |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DC | 2010 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 2/24 | 30.67 | 24.00 | 7.67 |
DC | 2011 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 2/29 | 84.50 | 54.00 | 9.39 |
DC | 2012 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 3/19 | 23.84 | 19.26 | 7.43 |
DC | 2013 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 4/24 | 31.75 | 21.69 | 8.78 |
KKR | 2014 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 3/13 | 33.36 | 24.55 | 8.16 |
KKR | 2015 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 3/33 | 38.20 | 25.20 | 9.10 |
KKR | 2016 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 3/28 | 21.30 | 13.80 | 9.26 |
KKR | 2017 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 4/33 | 24.12 | 17.12 | 8.45 |
RCB | 2018 | 14 | 14 | 20 | 3/23 | 20.90 | 15.95 | 7.86 |
RCB | 2019 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 3/36 | 46.38 | 28.38 | 9.81 |
RCB | 2020 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0/35 | 11.86 | ||
KKR | 2022 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 4/23 | 21.19 | 18.00 | 7.06 |
KKR | 2023 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 1/27 | 189.00 | 114.00 | 9.95 |
GT | 2024 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 2/22 | 26.25 | 15.75 | 10.00 |
4 (Total) | Overall | 148 | 146 | 144 | 4/23 | 29.83 | 21.06 | 8.50 |
Catch the entire interview with Umesh Yadav here
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