Umesh Yadav has been plagued with injuries throughout his career. The long lay-offs affected his selection chances and have seen him in and out of the Indian team. Umesh Yadav‘s indifferent form in IPL 2023 had put serious doubts about his chances of selection in IPL 2024.
Umesh Yadav has found a base with the Gujarat Titans (GT) for the next IPL. And he is thrilled about it. He joins his former teammates Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma to bolster the bowling attack for Gujarat Titans with an experienced fast bowling unit.
One must wait to see if GT uses Shami and Umesh Yadav in tandem. India pitches in IPL are not exactly bowler-friendly, especially for fast bowlers. Mohit Sharma has revived his career with his bowling performance in IPL 2023 and was part of the playing XI in the finals against Chennai Super Kings.
Umesh failed to create an impression in IPL 2023. He took only one wicket in eight appearances at an economy close to ten. KKR decided to drop him for IPL 2024. However, his compatriots in GT for the next edition do not have much IPL experience.
Time to step up, Umesh Yadav!!!
At 37, one feels his playing days are at the fag end. It is rare for fast bowlers to play at his age, and that too, in an intense and energy-sapping tournament like IPL. Let us hope his body and mind stay intact, and he leaves a mark on the IPL.
The bench strength in the Indian bowling lineup makes it very difficult for him to make a comeback. His cameo appearances for the Men in Blue have been rare. He last played against Australia in the WTC finals this year. Chances are that the IPL 2024 may be his last.
Let us hope his last dance is memorable.