Upendra Yadav: The Unsung Hero of Railways in Ranji Trophy Clash Against Delhi

The recent Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways gained immense attention due to Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to domestic cricket.

Upendra Yadav steals limelight in Virat Kohli's Ranji comeback game [Source: @upendra204/Instagram]

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was abuzz on January 30 as Kohli took the field for his first Ranji Trophy match in 12 years, drawing massive crowds and record-breaking viewership.

However, while Kohli’s presence stole the spotlight, it was Upendra Yadav from Railways who emerged as the real game-changer for his team. His remarkable knock of 95 off 177 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and a six, played a crucial role in steering Railways from a precarious 66/5 to a respectable total of 241/10.

Upendra Yadav: A Promising Talent

Upendra Yadav, a 28-year-old cricketer from Uttar Pradesh, has been an inspiring figure in domestic cricket. Starting his cricketing journey at the age of 14, he was supported by his elder brother, who sacrificed his own dreams to help Upendra pursue his passion. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh in 2014 and played for seven seasons before moving to Railways in 2022.

Apart from his cricketing career, Upendra holds a science degree and works as a Junior Clerk with Indian Railways. Over the years, he has delivered consistent performances across different formats.

Upendra Yadav’s Cricketing Achievements

Format	Matches Played	Runs Scored	Batting Average	Centuries
First-Class	39	1,721	43.0	5
List A	30	931	42.31	0

IPL Stint

Upendra Yadav’s talent was recognized in the IPL 2023 auction when Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for a base price of INR 25 Lakh. However, he did not get an opportunity to make his debut in the tournament.

Conclusion

While Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket created a buzz, Upendra Yadav’s gritty performance in the Ranji Trophy match showcased his potential as a dependable batsman. His journey, from humble beginnings to making a mark in domestic cricket, is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication.