When you think of India’s fast-bowling attack, Umesh Yadav is one of those names that instantly comes to mind. From humble beginnings in Nagpur to representing India on the world stage, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s dive deep into his profile, career highlights, batting and bowling stats, and some interesting facts that cricket fans will love.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Umesh Yadav
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Born: October 25, 1987 (Age: 37 years)
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Birthplace: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Role: Specialist Bowler
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Batting Style: Right-handed bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
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Height: Not officially listed
Before becoming India’s pace sensation, Umesh had no formal cricketing background. In fact, he once aspired to join the police force. His raw pace and natural ability, however, caught the attention of selectors, and soon he was on the path to becoming a professional cricketer.
Umesh Yadav’s Career at a Glance
Umesh Yadav is best known for his express pace, often clocking above 145 km/h, making life difficult for even the best batters. His Test career has been particularly noteworthy, where he has produced fiery spells and match-winning performances.
Here’s a quick look at his career journey:
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Test Debut: vs West Indies, Nov 6, 2011 (Arun Jaitley Stadium)
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Last Test: vs Australia, Jun 7, 2023 (Kennington Oval)
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ODI Debut: vs Zimbabwe, May 28, 2010 (Queens Sports Club)
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Last ODI: vs West Indies, Oct 24, 2018 (Visakhapatnam)
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T20I Debut: vs Sri Lanka, Aug 7, 2012 (Pallekele)
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Last T20I: vs South Africa, Oct 4, 2022 (Indore)
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IPL Debut: 2010 for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals)
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Last IPL Appearance: May 10, 2024, for Kolkata Knight Riders against Chennai Super Kings
Batting Career Stats
Although Umesh is primarily a bowler, he has had his fair share of entertaining knocks. Fans remember him as someone who can swing the bat and clear the ropes when needed.
Test Matches
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Matches: 57
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Innings: 68
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Runs: 460
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Highest Score: 31
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Average: 11.22
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Fours: 42 | Sixes: 24
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
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Matches: 75
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Innings: 24
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Runs: 79
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Highest Score: 18
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Average: 7.9
T20 Internationals
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Matches: 9
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Runs: 22
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Highest Score: 20
Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Matches: 148
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Runs: 208
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Highest Score: 24
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Average: 9.9
While his numbers with the bat may not turn heads, his aggressive lower-order hitting has often given India and his IPL sides those much-needed extra runs.
Bowling Career Stats
This is where Umesh truly shines. Known for his raw pace and ability to generate bounce, he has been a consistent wicket-taker across formats.
Test Matches
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Matches: 57
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Wickets: 170
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Best Bowling (Innings): 6/88
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Best Match Figures: 10/133
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5-Wicket Hauls: 3 | 10-Wicket Hauls: 1
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Average: 30.96
ODIs
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Matches: 75
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Wickets: 106
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Best Figures: 4/31
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Average: 33.63
T20Is
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Matches: 9
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Wickets: 12
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Best Figures: 2/19
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Average: 23.33
IPL
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Matches: 148
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Wickets: 144
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Best Bowling: 4/23
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Average: 29.98
Umesh Yadav in the IPL
Umesh has been a familiar face in the Indian Premier League since 2010. He has represented multiple franchises, including Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
His standout attributes in the IPL include:
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Ability to strike early in the powerplay.
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Consistently bowling above 140 km/h.
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Using bouncers effectively on flat pitches.
Fans often recall his spellbinding performances where he dismantled top batting orders with sheer pace.
Also Read : Andile Phehlukwayo Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Career Highlights
Some of Umesh Yadav’s most memorable cricketing moments include:
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Taking his maiden 10-wicket haul in Tests against the West Indies in 2018.
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Playing a crucial role in India’s famous victories at home with the red ball.
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Being one of India’s fastest bowlers, often compared to legends like Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan for his pace and aggression.
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Making valuable contributions in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he finished as India’s highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets.
Why Fans Love Umesh Yadav
Umesh may not always grab headlines like Bumrah or Shami, but he has a loyal fan base. Here’s why:
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Fearless Fast Bowler: He doesn’t shy away from bowling full throttle, even on unresponsive pitches.
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Team Player: Always ready to put in the hard yards for the team.
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Energetic Personality: His celebrations after picking wickets are a treat for fans.
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Resilience: Despite injuries and being in-and-out of the team, he has fought his way back with determination.
The Road Ahead
At 37, Umesh Yadav’s international appearances may become less frequent, but he continues to be a vital asset in domestic cricket and the IPL. His experience makes him a mentor figure for younger bowlers, guiding the next generation of Indian pacers.
Final Thoughts
Umesh Yadav’s career is a story of grit, speed, and determination. From Nagpur’s dusty grounds to the iconic stadiums of world cricket, he has come a long way. While his stats may not always reflect his true impact, his role in India’s fast-bowling revolution cannot be overstated.
For cricket fans, Umesh is more than just numbers—he represents the raw pace and fighting spirit that defines Indian cricket today.
