“I can’t select myself”: Umesh Yadav sets sights on Team India return
Umesh Yadav, the pace bowler, has revealed his ambition to return to the Indian cricket team. His last appearance for India was in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final, where the team suffered a heavy defeat by 209 runs against Australia at the Oval. Yadav delivered figures of 2/131 from 40 overs across both innings, but was unable to make crucial breakthroughs when it mattered most.
This performance led to his exclusion from the team, and he has not been selected since. Yadav recently spoke about his determination to rejoin the Indian team, vowing to give his best in domestic cricket in order to earn a spot back in the squad.
“My efforts to make a comeback are in full swing. I can’t select myself. I need to play a few matches and get fit. To return, I must play competitive cricket. My focus is on getting fit and making my way back into the team,” Yadav told Sports Tak.
Reflecting on his journey, the Nagpur-born pacer revealed that he never imagined representing India at the highest level.
“When I first began playing cricket, I never envisioned reaching this level or representing India. As a bowler, I’ve always bowled fast since my early years. Without formal training at an academy or practising in nets, I never imagined I would ever make it to the Indian team. I believe that some things are just meant to happen,” he added.
Yadav has featured in 57 Test matches for India, claiming 170 wickets at an average of 30.95. In addition, he has appeared in 75 ODIs and nine T20Is, but was phased out of the limited-overs formats after 2022.
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