“I Thought He Was Joking”: How Umesh Yadav, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli Guided Yash Thakur to his India dreams?

New Delhi, August 30: For Yash Thakur, the road to India has been less about IPL stardom and more about persistence on the domestic circuit.

The Vidarbha fast bowler had represented two IPL franchises across four years before making his international debut, with only 22 IPL appearances to his name. Yet his consistent performances in domestic cricket eventually earned him a place in India's T20I squad for the Zimbabwe tour in July. He responded with four wickets in two matches.

His rise has been built largely through the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Since his debut in the competition in 2018-19, Thakur has taken 81 wickets at an economy rate of 7.04. He was also Vidarbha's leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 season, finishing with 18 wickets.

2011 Triumph And Start Of Cricket Journey

His love for cricket began at 12, when he watched India win the 2011 World Cup on home soil. Growing up in Nagpur, he later crossed paths with India fast bowler Umesh Yadav at the Vidarbha Cricket Association. What began with Thakur wanting a photograph with his idol turned into a conversation that left the youngster encouraged.

"Umesh bhaiya said, 'fast bowling karni hai to apne dil se karo' (if you want to do fast bowling, bowl with your heart," said a smiling Yash, quoted by Cricinfo as he prepares for yet another domestic season.

His career progressed rapidly. After playing for Vidarbha Under-19, Thakur was part of India's victorious Under-19 Asia Cup campaign in 2016. His List A, first-class and T20 debuts followed in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Then came a difficult period. An abdominal tear in 2021 kept him out for four to five months. His comeback during the 2022-23 season was emphatic. He took 15 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 17 in the Ranji Trophy, both career-best returns at the time.

Those performances earned him an IPL opportunity. Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 45 lakh at the 2023 auction, after he had gone unsold the previous year.

Thakur finished his first IPL season with 13 wickets. More importantly, he gained valuable lessons from senior players.

"Seeing KL Rahul bhaiya... I learnt about having clarity and calmness," he recalled.

Dhoni's Impact On Thakur's Career

MS Dhoni also helped him deal with the pressure of playing before large crowds. Thakur remembered Dhoni telling him that the nerves would continue even when he eventually played for India, and that he should not overthink the situation.

That advice proved useful during a memorable 2024 IPL performance. When Mayank Yadav left the field injured after just one over against Gujarat Titans, Rahul handed Thakur the responsibility of defending 163.

Thakur responded with his maiden T20 five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 30 and earning Player of the Match honours. He used changes of pace and scrambled-seam deliveries effectively, including one to dismiss Shubman Gill.

Despite that breakthrough, his IPL opportunities soon dried up. Released by LSG, he was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 1.60 crore but featured only three times across two seasons.

Frustration followed, prompting him to seek advice from Virat Kohli. "He said it was just as important to feel grateful for whatever opportunities I have got so far, and that my preparation must improve day by day," Thakur said.

He followed that advice by doubling down on domestic cricket. During Vidarbha's victorious 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, he was their leading wicket-taker and produced an impressive semi-final spell against Karnataka, eventually dismissing Devdutt Padikkal.

His performances earned him India A selection and a tour of Sri Lanka. Then, while collecting his luggage at Nagpur airport, he received an unexpected call informing him of his India selection. "I thought he was joking," Thakur said of the friend who broke the news.

'Nervy' Debut Against Zimbabwe

On the eve of his T20I debut against Zimbabwe, nerves returned, he could not sleep. But once on the field, he stayed committed to his attacking approach and eventually dismissed Brian Bennett with a slower delivery.

"You need to keep thinking about taking wickets," he says. "That's what gives you the upper hand."

For Thakur, the India debut is not the destination. Inspired by Jasprit Bumrah, he wants to establish himself across all three formats.

After years of waiting, setbacks and preparation, his international journey has finally begun.