“I cannot select myself” - Umesh Yadav aims to make a strong Indian comeback

India’s forgotten pacer, Umesh Yadav, is eager to play some games and make himself available for Team India selection as soon as possible. He stated that his efforts to make an Indian comeback are complete, but added that he cannot select himself.

The former seamer was last seen playing international cricket in the World Test Championship final 2023 against Australia at The Oval, which India lost by 209 runs to lose the consecutive WTC title in June 2023.

After bowling 40 overs in the WTC Final, Umesh failed to create an impact, scalping only two wickets in the second innings. Interestingly, he went wicketless in the first innings after bowling around 23 overs.

“Efforts to make a comeback are complete. I cannot select myself. I will have to play some matches, get fit. To come back, I will have to play competitive cricket. My effort is to get fit and come back in the team,” Umesh Yadav told India Today.

Interestingly, Umesh found no bidders in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, and he wasn’t part of any franchise in the IPL 2025 season. He has played 57 Tests for India, scalping 170 wickets, while he secured 118 wickets in 84 white-ball international games. Talking about his journey, Umesh stated that fast bowlers are naturally born and not made.

“When I started playing cricket, I never thought that I will play this, I will play that, I would play for India. I am a natural fast bowler. I have been bowling fast since childhood. I never went to any academy or nets. That is why I never thought that I would play for India.” he said.

“I kept on playing. Someone told me to play this, someone told me to play that. While playing, the son of a coal miner is sitting here playing for India. I think some things that are meant to happen, happen. I always say that fast bowlers are natural; you cannot make them fast bowlers,” he concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!