India pacer Umesh Yadav expressed shock at him going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Umesh has been a regular in IPL and boasts of a stellar record, with 144 wickets in 148 matches, having played for four franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans. He was bought for INR 5.80 crore in IPL 2024, but failed to attract bids in the following season.

Umesh reacted to the snub and said he has been playing IPL for 15 years thus to go unsold in IPL 2025 was shocking for him.

“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,” Umesh told Inside Sport.

Umesh played seven games for Gujarat Titans and picked eight wickets at an average of 26.25 at an economy rate of 10 in IPL 2024. The India pacer said that picking a player or not depends on the franchise, however, he added that his name came late and the teams did not have much money left. Umesh said whatever the reason be, he was frustrated and disturbed by the snub.

“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.

Umesh also spoke on his retirement plans and said he will continue bowling till the time he feels he can clock 140, adding 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's last performances for team India came in 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia. Umesh played 57 Tests, 75 ODIs and 9 T20Is for India, picking 170, 106 and 12 wickets respectively.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.