Punjab rope in 38-year-old Umesh Yadav to end 34-year Ranji drought
In a first for Punjab cricket, the PCA have signed veteran India pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. With Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar expected to be away on India duty, Punjab are banking on Umesh's experience and red-ball pedigree in their bid to win their first Ranji title since 1992.
Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has signed experienced India pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, marking the first time the association has utilized this format. At 38 years old, Yadav becomes the PCA's first-ever guest player, with a prolific record in domestic cricket. The move comes as Punjab seeks to finally end a 34-year wait for the Ranji Trophy title, which they last won in 1992.
PCA president Amarjit Mehta praised Yadav's credentials, noting his Ranji Trophy victories and Indian national team performances. Mehta emphasized the importance of Yadav's experience for the team's younger members, particularly given the burden on their fast-bowling resources, with Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh expected to be away with India's national team.
The veteran pacer, who last played for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, is expected to join the Punjab camp in the next few days and is in good form, according to Punjab coach Amit Uniyal.
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