Umesh Yadav Joins Punjab For Ranji Trophy 2026 After Leaving Vidarbha

Umesh Yadav makes a fresh move in Ranji Trophy [Source: @umeshyaadav/IG]In a significant move, Punjab has signed veteran Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season. This comes as the pacer is all set to turn 39 this year.Umesh is a renowned name in Indian cricket, having played 57 Tests, 75 ODIs and 9 T20Is for Team India. He has 170 Test wickets and 106 ODI dismissals to his name.And despite being out of the Indian setup currently, Yadav has not stepped away from domestic cricket, and now, he is set for a fresh stint with a new team.Punjab rope in Umesh Yadav from VidarbhaAccording to TOI, Punjab have roped in Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, thus making him the first guest player signed by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). The bigger reason behind the move is Punjab's long Ranji Trophy wait. They last won the Ranji Trophy in 1992, meaning they have gone 34 years without winning the title. And as per PCB president Amarjit Mehta, Punjab wants to strengthen their red-ball bowling attack and believes Umesh's experience can help them challenge for the title. Also, Umesh Yadav will be a crucial reinforcement as Punjab’s fast-bowling resources could be weakened because Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar are expected to be away on India duty. Also Read - Punjab Cricketer Exposes Corruption, Twitter Account Removed ImmediatelyUmesh Yadav’s age not a problem for PunjabInterestingly, Punjab’s move to sign Umesh Yadav for Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season is surprising because the fast bowler is turning 39 in October. Naturally, he is way past his prime. But Punjab coach Amit Uniyal defended the decision.He believes Umesh remains fit and age is just a number when a player is still physically capable of performing. However, Punjab have not guaranteed that Umesh will play every match. "He is still fit and, in Indian conditions, along with, Umesh was lethal. I think age is just a number and Umesh ticks all the boxes when it comes to fitness," Uniyal said.His inclusion will depend on team combination. Regardless, Punjab will definitely benefit from Umesh Yadav’s experience and the insights that he will pass on to the younger generations.Yadav’s long stint with Vidarbha to an endHaving said that, with the Punjab move, Umesh Yadav will bid goodbye to his home team Vidarbha, where he built the foundation of his career. Vidarbha have also approved his NOC, thus marking the end of their 18-year-long association.In those 18 years, he played 124 first-class games for Vidarbha and picked up 380 wickets, including 15 fifers. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 1479 runs as a tailender, including a hundred and two fifties.Needless to say, losing Umesh Yadav is a big loss to Vibarbha. But for Umesh Yadav, the move to Punjab is an opportunity to face a different challenge towards the final few phases of his career.Also Read - Watch- Naman Dhir Takes Flying Catch vs West Indies in Just His 2nd ODI