'I'll give you a proper reason'- Rohit Sharma explains Umesh Yadav's inclusion in T20I squad against Australia

Umesh Yadav has been included in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Australia series after Mohammad Shami was ruled out with COVID. The news came in as a shock to all cricket fans as Umesh Yadav has not been in India’s vision for the future for more than three years now. He last played a T20I match for India on 24th February 2019.

As soon as the confirmation came, people started to talk about this rather unexpected inclusion and could not wrap their heads around the decision. Twitter was buzzing with people claiming it to be a nonsensical decision from the selectors and believed that there were many other more deserving players who should have been included in the squad instead of Yadav.

It was natural that Rohit Sharma was asked this question on priority in a press conference ahead of the Australia series. When Hindustan Times asked about Yadav’s inclusion in the team, the Indian skipper said, “Yeah, ill give you a proper reason.”

"There were a few options. A few of them are injured like Prasidh is injured. Siraj has not been in the county. We do not want him to fly all the way, maybe play one or two games. That won't be fair... And obviously, with Shami, an unfortunate incident happened. Avesh was quite sick in the Asia Cup, and he needs some time to recover. So you know from the fitness point of view, he needed some time to go and rebuild his fitness bowling," Rohit added.

“Guys like Umesh, Shami don’t need to be playing a particular format to succeed at it. They have proven themselves. It’s the quality. Young guys need to prove but not them. If they are fit and available they will be called back. We don’t need to look at form. We saw how well Umesh Yadav bowled in the Indian T20 League. He bowled pretty well. He gives us option to use upfront with the new ball, swings the ball, bowls fast so not a much debate about him,” explained Rohit about Umesh’s inclusion in the team, “Rohit Sharma explained further.

India are scheduled to play three-match T20I series against Australia starting on 20th September 2022.