To end 34-year Ranji drought, Punjab rope in 38-year-old Umesh Yadav as guest player

Umesh Yadav is set to join Punjab from Vidarbha. NEW DELHI: Punjab are turning to experience in their bid to end a 34-year wait for the Ranji Trophy, making a significant departure from their traditional approach by signing 38-year-old Indian pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026-27 domestic season. The move is historic for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), with Umesh becoming the first visiting player signed by the association.Umesh, who has played 55 Tests, 75 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, has received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and will play for Punjab this season. PCA president Amarjit Mehta confirmed the veteran pacer’s move from Vidarbha to Punjab.“He has proven himself as a bowler. He won the Ranji Trophy with Vidarbha and was also a champion bowler for India,” Mehta told TimesofIndia.com.Asked about the decision to sign the player, who will turn 39 in three weeks, and the historic nature of the move, Mehta said: “We have decided to keep our red-ball cricket in the limelight. Punjab have not won the Ranji Trophy since 1992 and we think Umesh is someone who can secure the title for us.”“His experience will be invaluable to the youngsters in the team. We can learn a lot from someone of Umesh’s stature.”Mehta also pointed to Punjab’s fast-bowling resources being stretched, with Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh expected to be out of action for India.“Look, our boys, whenever they are available, play for Punjab. But Gurnoor and Arshdeep will be busy with India duties and when they go, our bowling will weaken. That’s also one of the reasons we decided to bring in Umesh Yadav,” he said.Umesh, who last played for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, is likely to join the Punjab Ranji Trophy camp in the next day or two.“He is still fit and in Indian conditions along with Mohammed Shami, Umesh has been lethal. I think age is just a number and Umesh ticks all the boxes when it comes to fitness,” Punjab coach Amit Uniyal told the website.“Because of that, it is not guaranteed that he will play all the matches. A lot will also depend on the combination. But his presence in the dressing room will be huge,” he added.Punjab will play their first match of the Ranji Trophy season against Assam at New Chandigarh from 11