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"Umesh Yadav's Instagram Fury: A Tale of Snubbed Talent and Selection Controversy"

Kalyani Jha
11 Feb, 2024

Following India's squad announcement for the remainder of the three-match Test series, Umesh Yadav took to Instagram to share a cryptic post, hinting at his omission despite performing well in the Ranji Trophy. The 36-year-old, who last played a Test match in 2022, expressed his frustration with a story on Instagram, stating, "Kitaabon par dhool jamne se, kahaaniyan khatm nahi hoti (If there is dust on the book, it doesn’t mean the story is over)," which was interpreted as a dig at the selectors and team management for overlooking him due to his age.

Umesh Yadav has been in fine form for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, picking up 19 wickets in four matches. With Mohammed Shami sidelined due to injury and questions surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, Umesh seemed like a viable option. However, the selectors opted for Bengal pacer Akash Deep instead.

Despite concerns over Bumrah's workload management, the medical team hasn't raised any red flags, indicating his likely inclusion in the upcoming Test in Rajkot. Bumrah has been India's standout performer in the series so far, consistently troubling the English batsmen with his reverse swing.

Umesh Yadav boasts an impressive record in Indian conditions, having taken 101 wickets in 32 Test matches at an average of 25.88. Since 2018, he has been the most successful Indian quick, with 43 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 18.25, including two five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul. Despite his stellar record, Umesh finds himself on the sidelines, raising questions about the selection criteria and the rationale behind his exclusion from the squad.