Nagpur: Vidarbha’s pace spearhead and one of the most recognisable names in Indian cricket, Umesh Yadav, is set to end his long association with the state side after deciding to seek a fresh challenge in domestic cricket.
The veteran fast bowler, who earned the nickname ‘Vidarbha Express’ for his searing pace, has approached the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to join another state association ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
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Sept 17,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Yadav, who will turn 39 on October 25, is currently out of contention for the Indian team. According to VCA Secretary Sanjay Badkas, the pacer informed the association that he had received offers from other state teams and wanted to move on.
“Yes, he approached us for an NOC, saying that he has offers from other State associations and wants to play for another team from this season. He did not name any particular association,” Badkas said.
While Yadav’s departure would mark the end of a significant chapter in Vidarbha cricket, Badkas pointed out that the state has a strong pool of emerging fast bowlers who could benefit from the opportunity.
Yadav has been an integral part of Vidarbha’s rise as a domestic powerhouse since making his first-class debut for the state during the 2008-09 season. He played a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s historic back-to-back Ranji Trophy triumphs in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
His ability to generate genuine pace often provided Vidarbha with a decisive advantage. Even when opposing batters managed to survive his spells, the pressure created from one end frequently opened opportunities for bowlers at the other.
One of his most memorable performances came in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy semi-final against Kerala at Wayanad. Yadav returned career-best first-class figures of 7-48 and 5-31, virtually dragging Vidarbha into the final with a match-winning display.
He also registered a domestic hat-trick during a four-wicket haul against Rajasthan in November 2015, underlining his ability to produce game-changing spells.
Yadav was equally capable with the bat. He struck his maiden first-class century against Odisha in October 2015, smashing 128 off just 119 balls. His contributions also extended to List A cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and domestic T20 cricket in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Vidarbha’s first Test player
Yadav’s rise from Vidarbha cricket to the Indian team was historic. He became the first player from Vidarbha to represent India in Test cricket, making his debut against the West Indies in Delhi on November 6, 2011.
He went on to establish himself as one of India’s leading pace options across formats. Yadav played 57 Tests and claimed 170 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul.
He also represented India in 75 ODIs and nine T20Is.
His last Test appearance came against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. Since then, he has remained outside the national Test setup.
Now, with his decision to seek an NOC, Yadav’s association with Vidarbha appears headed for a new chapter, one that could see the veteran pacer wearing the colours of another state in domestic cricket.
