R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. [Source - AFP]The Indian domestic 2026-27 season is underway, and now the Ranji Trophy is also a few days away, with the first round scheduled to take place from October 11. Players across states are preparing themselves for the long season ahead.Meanwhile, some players are making big moves to different state sides as well. One of them is an India veteran fast bowler, who is making headlines after deciding to leave his home side ahead of the new domestic season.Umesh Yadav Leaves Vidarbha After 18 YearsIn a significant development, Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav has decided to move on from Vidarbha ahead of the upcoming domestic season. The 38-year-old has informed the Vidarbha Cricket Association that he wants to represent another state and has received his NOC.According to The Indian Express, Yadav has already started discussions with a few state associations as he looks for a new domestic team. “I have decided to move on from this season and play for another state. I have got my NOC from Vidarbha Cricket Association,” Umesh Yadav confirmed. FormatMatchesWicketsFirst-ClassSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table44SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table157SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableList ASelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table40SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table56SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableT20sSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table35SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table45SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table (Umesh Yadav stats for Vidarbha)Umesh Yadav’s departure brings an end to an association that began in the 2008-09 season, when he made his first-class debut for Vidarbha. His biggest impact for the team came in red-ball cricket, where he played 44 first-class matches and took 157 wickets at an average of 24.99 and a strike-rate of 48.22.Why Is Umesh Yadav Leaving Vidarbha?Umesh Yadav’s decision to leave Vidarbha comes after he asked the team selectors for clarity over his future with the state side. However, the selectors did not provide him with a clear response about his role.The veteran pacer wanted to play more cricket and continued to be part of Vidarbha’s setup. He featured in four matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 and picked up four wickets during the tournament.However, Yadav’s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Vidarbha came in October 2024 against Andhra at his home ground in Nagpur. With fewer opportunities and uncertainty over his role, he has now decided to move to another state.Also Read: Who Is Nachiket Bhute? The Surprise Name In India A’s Squad For Australia A SeriesUmesh Yadav’s India Test Return Looks a Distant DreamUmesh Yadav last played Test cricket for India in June 2023, featuring in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Since then, injuries and the competition for places have pushed him further behind in the pecking order.Yadav had felt he was close to another India opportunity and continued playing domestic cricket in an effort to stay in contention. However, limited opportunities with Vidarbha did not make his path back to the national team any easier.At 38, time is no longer on Yadav’s side, making an India Test return a distant dream. However, his move to another state ahead of the new domestic season could give the veteran pacer a fresh beginning.Also Read: Virat Kohli Given Open Challenge By KKR's Destructive Batter
