Umesh Yadav

Right Handed Batsman

Jersey Number
19 for ODIs, and 70 for T20Is
International Debut
2010
Matches Played
280+
Career Runs
760+

Full Name: Umesh Yadav

Nickname: Paplu

Date of Birth: October 25, 1987

Place of Birth: Nagpur, Maharashtra

Age: 38 Years

Nationality: Indian

Role: Bowler

Batting Style: Right-Handed Bat

Bowling Style: Right-arm fast

Current Team(s): India, Gujarat Titans, Vidarbha

Umesh Yadav was born on October 25, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He is one of India’s fastest and most determined fast bowlers. He comes from a humble background – his father worked in a coal mine in Khaperkheda. His journey to professional cricket is filled with hard work and resilience. Initially, Umesh was eager to join the army or police, but fate had other plans for him. He was noticed for his raw pace in local matches. He made his first-class debut for Vidarbha in 2008. A couple of years later, he was selected for the Indian senior team in 2010. He is known to consistently bowl above 140 kmph. Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, he became one of the go-to bowlers in both Tests and the limited-overs format. His journey is truly inspiring – from humble beginnings to representing India at the big stage.

International Debut
Test: India vs West Indies at Delhi – November 06 – 09, 2011
ODI: Zimbabwe vs India at Bulawayo – May 28, 2010
T20I: Sri Lanka vs India at Pallekele – August 07, 2012
IPL Debut
DC vs CSK at Delhi – March 19, 2010
Domestic Teams:
Vidarbha
Format Matches Runs Average 100s/50s Wickets Best Bowling Catches
Test 57 460 11.21 170 6/88 19
ODI 75 79 7.90 106 4/31 22
T20I 9 22 22 12 2/19 3
IPL 148 208 9.90 144 4/23 38
Key Batting Records & Milestones
  • Umesh Yadav was the first Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a Test in both innings on Indian soil. He completed this feat against the West Indies in 2018.
  • The fastest delivery from Umesh Yadav clocked at 152.5 kmph – among the quickest ever by an Indian bowler.
  • He was one of the key bowlers for the Indian team during their Test dominance at home from 2015 to 2021. He formed a potent bowling unit along with Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant.
  • He has more than 280 wickets across formats in international cricket.
  • He has the best figure of 6/88 vs the West Indies in 2018.
  • His best figures in ODIs are 4/31 vs Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup.
  • Umesh Yadav holds the record for the highest strike rate in a Test innings (310).
ICC Awards
  • Umesh hasn’t received any individual award from ICC; however, he regularly features in ICC’s top bowling rankings during peak years (2015-2020).
  • He was recognized by the ICC for the match-winning performances in the 2015 World Cup and the 2018 home test season.
Major Tournament Wins
  • He was a member of the Indian team that reached the semifinal of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015.
  • He was also part of the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy-winning Indian team.
  • He was an integral member of India’s Test series wins at home and abroad – notably in Australia and England.
  • Umesh also played key roles for various IPL franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Captaincy Records
  • He hasn’t had the chance to lead the Indian team, but has occasionally led Vidarbha in the domestic circuit.
  • He contributed significantly to Vidarbha’s historic Ranji Trophy wins (2017-2018, 2018-2019). He was a senior leader and mentor to the team.
Off-Field Honors
  • He was awarded the CEAT Indian Bowler of the Year (2018) for his consistent performances.
  • He was honored by the Maharashtra government and local associations for his contribution to Vidarbha cricket.
  • Umesh Yadav is widely respected for his discipline and hard work. He has been an inspiration for young cricketers from smaller towns in India.

Umesh Yadav is renowned for his pace, smooth action, and ability to generate sharp bounce from even placid surfaces. He is a natural fast bowler who can consistently clock over 140 kmph. He often uses late seam movement to trouble batsmen. He can bowl many types of deliveries, including a skiddy outswinger, a deceptive reverse yorker, and a well-directed short ball. Umesha Yadav is a mentally tough guy who can bowl with the new ball and on home pitches. He is constantly striving for success with perseverance and discipline. Umesh’s work ethic showcases his journey from humble beginnings to becoming India’s premier pace bowler.

Umesh Yadav was born on October 25, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and his father worked in a coal mine in Khaperkheda. Despite starting from such a background, Umesh’s determination steered him towards cricket, and he excelled and reached the top of cricketing milestones. He married Tanya Wadhwa, a Delhi-based fashion designer, in 2013. Umesh is known for his disciplined lifestyle, fitness routine, family, and most importantly, simplicity. Apart from cricket, Umesh enjoys spending time with his daughter and wife, and also working out. He has an inspiring journey that has kept him humble despite tasting superstardom in the country.

Brand Endorsements

Umesh Yadav has been associated with many brands, including SS (Sareen Sports) for cricket gear and Fast&Up, a fitness and nutrition company. He has also represented Puma and Manyavar in his brief time. He is also the face for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for their awareness campaign. He also often collaborates with regional and fitness-based brands.

Charity Work
  • Umesh actively supports many community initiatives in his hometown, Nagpur.
  • Umesh often contributes to youth sports programs to provide support for underprivileged children.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated essentials in rural Maharashtra.
  • He has also promoted education and many sports opportunities for children from mining families with the help of local associations.
Social Media Influence
  • Umesh is very active on social media platforms and has an authentic and genuine presence across Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
  • You will often see glimpses of his fitness training, family moments, and motivational messages on social media.
  • His grounded nature and relatability made him one of the sought-after figures online.
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Favourite Cricketer: Dale Steyn

Favourite Stadium: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Pre-game Rituals: he listens to music to stay calm and focused before matches.

Most Memorable Innings: 6/88 against West Indies in Hyderabad (2018)

Instagram: @umeshyaadav

Twitter (X): @y_umesh

Facebook: @yadavumesh