The IPL 2025 mega auction saw several players fetching hefty price tags, with fast bowlers like Arshdeep Singh (INR 18 crore) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (INR 10.75 crore) securing lucrative deals. However, it wasn’t a joyous occasion for everyone, as some seasoned players went unsold despite their experience and contributions to the league.

One such player was 37-year-old Vidarbha pacer Umesh Yadav, who played for Gujarat Titans last season. The lack of interest in Umesh surprised many, including former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra, who voiced his disappointment over the veteran’s omission.

ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj Vows To Refocus After Champions Trophy Snub

“No one spoke to Umesh Yadav, and he wasn’t selected. He is probably feeling sad because these are players and captains he has shared dressing rooms with, and someone could have spoken to him. It’s disheartening for someone who has given so much to cricket,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra added that Umesh deserved at least a base-price bid. “He’s not asking for 15 crores, but surely someone could have picked him for 1-1.5 crores. It’s not like his sell-by date has passed. I truly feel for Umesh Yadav, as no team picked him or even initiated a conversation. Open the communication channels,” Aakash Chopra urged.

Umesh Yadav’s IPL career spans four franchises and 148 matches, where he has taken 144 wickets at an average of 29.97 and an economy of 8.49. While his overall record reflects his skill, his performance last season was modest, with eight wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 10.00 and an average of 26.25.

ALSO READ: Brendon McCullum Praises Gautam Gambhir’s Leadership Ahead Of India-England T20I Series

The unsold status of a seasoned campaigner like Umesh has raised questions about player evaluations in the auction process. For fans and analysts, it was a bittersweet moment that highlighted both the opportunities and harsh realities of the IPL auction.