Umesh Yadav has reunited with his mates from the ICC ODI World Cup 2015 – Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma – as he is set to join the Gujarat Titans for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The veteran India pacer was bought for a whopping sum of INR 5.8 crore as the franchise looks to bolster its pace attack with Indian firepower. The 36-year-old has played 141 IPL games, claiming 136 wickets at an average of 30.04.
Yadav, who has represented the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past, said the memories of World Cup 2015 have been crossing his mind since he was picked up by the Titans in the IPL 2024 players’ auction.
“It has been quite a while since Shami, Mohit Sharma and I were part of the 2015 World Cup squad. Those memories are coming back. The way Shami is bowling now, I feel we will have a lot of fun. We have had a partnership with the red ball and I feel he will be bowling with the new ball. So, we will have to work on strategies for the middle overs,” Umesh told JioCinema.
After getting released by the KKR, GT is going to be the new home for Yadav and getting settled in a new camp will definitely be challenging. But the veteran fast bowler believes that the presence of his old mates – Shami and Sharma – will make things easy for him.
“You have to deal with a new management, new team, and a new environment. So, all these factors have to be considered. I take some time to open up to people. But I feel this will be the best team for me because Shami and Mohit are there. They are my old friends and we’ll get a chance to play together,” Umesh added.
All praise for coach Ashish Nehra
The right-arm quick is looking forward to working with Ashish Nehra, who guided GT to their maiden title win in their debut season.
“The main thing for me was to get picked. I know all the teams were looking out for Indian fast bowlers, so I knew I would go somewhere, but to go to a team where Ashish Nehra is the coach is great. I have worked with him previously and know the way he trains players and the way he manages the atmosphere in the dressing room,” Umesh concluded.
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