Umesh Yadav to play for Punjab as guest player in upcoming domestic season

Umesh Yadav will be a valuable addition to the Punjab squad ahead of this year’s Ranji Trophy. | Photo Credit: AFP

India fast bowler Umesh Yadav will play for Punjab as a guest player in the upcoming domestic season, strengthening a bowling attack across formats.

The 38-year-old, who has been out of the India reckoning, has parted ways with Vidarbha, where he spent the last several seasons. He wants to play regularly across formats, and Punjab has offered that opportunity.

“His presence will bolster our bowling unit,” Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjeet Singh Mehta told Sportstar.

Umesh’s ability to generate pace and extract movement with the new ball adds a dimension to Punjab’s attack, particularly in the longer format. He also brings international and First-Class experience to a relatively young group, and can lead the attack while working with the younger quicks.

Umesh has represented India in all three formats, taking 170 wickets in 57 Tests, 106 in 75 ODIs and 12 in nine T20Is. He was part of India’s Test set-up for more than a decade.

Published on Sep 30, 2026

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