Umesh Yadav’s career has been full of ups and downs, to say the least. Being a part of the 2013 Champions Trophy and 2015 World Cup side, where he ended as India’s highest wicket-taker, Yadav was slowly and steadily sidelined as a red-ball format bowler. While he, along with the likes of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, have risen their stature as a pace battery, Umesh remains benched for most parts unless India turn to home comforts.
Reflecting on his topsy-turvy career and getting a rather inconsistent run in Team India, Umesh recently reflected on his missed opportunities, lack of consistent run and being regarded as a Test specialist.
“Thoda kharaab, buraa toh lagta hai (I do feel bad) that you aren’t getting as many chances,” Umesh told Indian Express. “I used to feel a bit down in the past about sitting on the sidelines and watching. But it’s important that you make yourself understand the situation. I realised that it’s not healthy if I slip into pity. That feeling isn’t good as you won’t be able to perform well when you get a chance. You can’t complain too much as the other three- Ishant (Sharma), (Mohammed) Shami and (Jasprit) Bumrah are bowling well. So I can understand that for team management, getting the right balance wouldn’t be easy,” stated Umesh.
After being sidelined from the scheme of things in limited-overs, Umesh still believes he has lots to offer in the shorter formats. He reckons the selectors haven’t made full use of him with the white ball. In this regard, he added, “I do feel I haven’t been used properly by selectors in ODIs. Get a game here and there, then sit out for six months. It does get difficult. Career has never been stable. Always up and down. I did well at the 2015 World Cup, but then again out.”
To sum up, Umesh remained positive and termed that he has achieved more than he ever asked or dreamt of. “It’s been a dream journey. Life has given me more than I have asked of it,” concluded the speedster.
