Umesh Yadav has opened up about his difficult final phase with Vidarbha after making an impressive start to his new journey with Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. Hours after claiming a five-wicket haul on his Punjab debut, the experienced Indian fast bowler criticised Vidarbha coach Usman Ghani, alleging that he did not receive the support he needed during the final stage of his 18-year association with the state team.
Umesh made his first-class debut for Vidarbha in 2008 and went on to play 124 matches, taking 380 wickets. His final appearance for the side came under Ghani in December 2025 before he made the surprising switch to Punjab.
The 38-year-old immediately made an impact for his new team, claiming 5/70 in the first innings of Punjab’s ongoing Ranji Trophy group-stage match against Assam. Reflecting on his injury recovery, Umesh compared his experience with that of fellow India pacer Mohammed Shami, who received support from Bengal during his rehabilitation.
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Speaking to Times Now, Umesh Yadav explained the severity of his injury and expressed disappointment over the lack of backing he received. “Shami had an Achilles tendon issue where 20% was affected, along with a little heel bone injury at the back,” Umesh told Times Now.
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“Mine was 50%; it ruptured and tore apart, and had to be stitched back together with grafting. After that, when I made a comeback, it took me a full year just doing rehab. Because during rehab, one or two other niggles crop up that you might not even know about. But all those things happened. Still, Shami came back and played, but he got support from his state (Bengal), whereas I got the opposite.”
Umesh Yadav also accused Ghani of trying to push him out of the Vidarbha setup. Ghani, who progressed through age-group coaching, was part of the team’s journey to Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy titles. The veteran pacer alleged that the coach wanted greater control over the team rather than supporting an experienced player returning from injury.
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“When I came back, I didn’t get that kind of support and backup from there that should have been given. There, it was more about getting Umesh out of the picture. The coach was very happy, thinking, ‘There’s only one guy left, one senior left. If he goes out, my word will be heard everywhere and whatever I say will happen.’ Those things happened,” the 38-year-old said.
Umesh’s comments have brought attention to his departure from Vidarbha, while his strong Punjab debut has offered a promising start to the next chapter of his domestic cricket career.
