Umesh Yadav was Frustrated With National Team Selection


image-lewkx7ocUmesh picked up 3 wickets in the first innings of Indore Test [AP Photos]

Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun has revealed that speedster Umesh Yadav, has faced numerous disappointments in his pursuit of consistent selection for the national team. In addition to fitness and performance, luck is also a significant factor that affects a player's chances of selection.

Arun recounted that Umesh has been left "angry" and "disappointed" on many occasions despite having played over 139 matches. Arun went on to elaborate on how the fast bowler has been left pondering his exclusion from the national team, even after putting up a strong performance.

The former coach explained that the Nagpur born cricketer would approach him and ask, 

"Why have you dropped me? What wrong did I do?” He recognized that selecting the national team's fast bowlers was a challenging decision as only a few could be chosen based on their past performances and current form. As a result, Umesh was often overshadowed by the likes of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, leaving him struggling to secure a spot in the team.

Arun added that the seamer’s exclusion from the team left him "furious" on many occasions, causing him to remain silent for days. However, he would eventually return to Arun after realizing the situation.

The former cricketer praised the Vidarbha quick as an exceptional bowler and a "perfect team man." He also noted that it is normal for players to feel frustrated when they are not selected for the national team, and that such emotions are understandable.

Arun stated that if a player does not feel angry, then they are simply accepting things meekly. Despite the setbacks, the 35-year old has been a "magnificent" player and an asset to the team, according to the KKR coach.