Punjab is looking to bring experience into their red-ball setup as they aim to end a 34-year wait for the Ranji Trophy title. In a significant move, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has signed 38-year-old India pacer Umesh Yadavas a guest player for the 2026-27 domestic season.
The move marks a first for the PCA, with Umesh becoming the first guest player signed by the association. The veteran pacer has obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and will
represent Punjab in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.
Umesh has represented India in 55 Tests, 75 ODIs and nine T20Is. He has also won the Ranji Trophy with Vidarbha and brings considerable domestic and international experience to the Punjab setup.
PCA president Amarjit Mehta confirmed Umesh's move and highlighted the pacer's credentials.
"He has proven credentials as a bowler. He has won the Ranji Trophy with Vidarbha and has been a champion bowler for India as well," Mehta told The Times of India.
Punjab have not won the Ranji Trophy since 1992 and are hoping Umesh's experience can help them challenge for the title this season. Mehta explained that the decision was made with the team's red-ball ambitions in mind.
"We have taken the decision keeping our red-ball cricket in focus. Punjab have not won the Ranji Trophy since 1992 and we think Umesh is someone who can deliver us the title."
He also believes Umesh's experience could benefit Punjab's younger players throughout the season.
"His experience is going to be invaluable to the youngsters in the team. There is so much to learn from someone of Umesh's stature."
Umesh Yadav to bolster Punjab's pace attack
Punjab's decision to bring in Umesh also comes amid concerns over the availability of their regular fast-bowling options. Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh are expected to be involved with the Indian team, which could leave Punjab short of pace-bowling resources during the domestic season.
Mehta explained that Umesh's signing was partly driven by the need to strengthen the bowling department in the absence of their India-bound pacers.
"Look, our boys, whenever they are available, play for Punjab. But Gurnoor and Arshdeep will be busy with India duty, and with them gone, our bowling becomes weak. This is also one of the reasons why we have decided to bring in Umesh Yadav," he said.
Umesh last represented India in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. Despite being 38, the pacer remains fit and is expected to join Punjab's Ranji Trophy camp in the next couple of days.
Punjab coach Amit Uniyal backed the decision to bring Umesh into the squad and pointed to his experience of bowling in Indian conditions.
"He is still fit and, in Indian conditions, along with Mohammed Shami, Umesh was lethal. I think age is just a number and Umesh ticks all the boxes when it comes to fitness," Punjab coach Amit Uniyal told this website.
However, Uniyal also made it clear that Umesh's inclusion does not guarantee that he will feature in every game, with the final decision set to depend on the team's combination.
"Having said that, there is no guarantee that he will play all the matches. A lot will depend on the combination as well. But his presence in the dressing room is going to be huge," he added.
Punjab will begin their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Assam at New Chandigarh on October 11, with Umesh's experience expected to add depth to their pace attack and dressing room.
