Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025: Umesh Yadav returns to Vidarbha squad after year

Vidarbha announced their 17-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, and sees the return of veteran India pacer Umesh Yadav. The 38-year-old, who last played the tournament in 2024, will be back in action as the domestic T20 season in Lucknow from November 26 to December 8. Meanwhile, the team will be led by all-rounder Harsh Dubey, and Yash Thakur serving as his deputy.

Umesh last featured in SMAT 2024, where he played just two matches. Notably, the pacer has had a quiet domestic season and is eyeing a comeback through this tournament. The experienced pacer has been vocal about his desire to return to the Indian team, stressing that only strong domestic outings can pave the way for a recall.

The veteran, who last played for India in the WTC Final 2023, has openly discussed the challenges of waiting for opportunities and the motivation behind continuing at the domestic level. Despite not being picked since that match and going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, he still wishes to return. With 57 Tests, 170 wickets, the Vidarbha veteran brings immense leadership to the bowling unit.

Jitesh Sharma not included

Though his recent form in domestic cricket has been decent, including a single-wicket outing in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Umesh is expected to strengthen Vidarbha. Vidarbha enters the 2025 edition with several notable changes. Last season’s captain, Jitesh Sharma, who led the team to the quarterfinals, has not been included, as he remains occupied with India A duties and an upcoming T20I series against South Africa. In his absence, Dubey has been handed the leadership. 

Notably, Harsh had an impressive outing at the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, where he scored his maiden T20 fifty and took four wickets. His extraordinary Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign, where he claimed a record-breaking 69 wickets, played a crucial role in Vidarbha’s title triumph and earned him a mid-season IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The squad also features wicketkeeper Shivam Deshmukh, with pacer Yash Thakur appointed vice-captain. Vidarbha’s group includes strong opponents such as Mumbai, Kerala, Assam, Odisha, Railways, and Andhra, with their tournament opener scheduled against Chhattisgarh on November 26.

Vidarbha squad for Syed Musthtaq Ali Trophy 2025

Harsh Dubey (C), Yash Thakur (VC), Atharva Taide, Dhruv Shorey, Aman Mokhade, Yash Rathod, Shivam Deshmukh (wk), Akshay Wadkar, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Kadam, Varun Bisht, Parth Rekhade, Umesh Yadav, Praful Hinge, Deepesh Parwani, Adhyayan Daga