Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav recently opened up on his snub from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. The veteran pacer expressed shock after going unsold at the mega auction despite playing close to 150 matches in the cash-rich league over the past 15 years.

In a conversation with Inside Sport, the 37-year-old added that he was “frustrated and disturbed” after none of the IPL franchises went for him, including his former team Gujarat Titans. It is to be noted that Umesh Yadav boasts of a stellar record in the IPL with 144 wickets in 148 matches, having played for four franchises, namely Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi capitals (DC) and the Gujarat Titans (GT).

I am very frustrated and disturbed: Umesh Yadav on going unsold at IPL 2025 mega auction

The 37-year-old was bought for INR 5.80 Crore at the IPL 2024 auction, but failed to attract any bid in the mega auction after he was released from the GT squad. Speaking with Inside Sport, Umesh Yadav said, “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 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. On being asked of his future, the 37-year-old firmly responded that he will quit cricket when he can’t bowl.

“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 told the media house. It is to be noted that Umesh Yadav’s last appeared in the Indian kit in 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. However, since then he has failed to find a place in the side, but has featured in 57 Tests, 75 ODIs and nine T20Is so far.