Umesh Yadav Picked As Punjab Announce Squad For Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Round 1

Umesh Yadav named in Punjab's Ranji Trophy 2026/27 squad | PC- AFPIn a major development, Punjab Cricket Association has announced the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 squad, with former India U19 captain Uday Saharan getting named as the captain for the 16-member squad for Round 1 vs Assam.As reported earlier, Umesh Yadav has switched from Vidarbha to Punjab, ending an 18-year long association with the Vidarbha Cricket Association. Umesh Yadav named in Punjab's Ranji Trophy Squad for Round 1The 38-year-old Indian international Umesh Yadav will don the Punjab jersey after missing the previous two Ranji seasons, and Punjab won the coveted title in 1992–93. Umesh last played a Test match for India in the WTC 2023 Final vs Australia, his 57th outing in the longest format. He will be aided by India's latest fast-bowling asset, Gurnoor Brar, along with Sanvir Singh and Gursimran Singh. Among other IPL superstars, SRH's Salil Arora and renowned all-rounder Ramandeep Singh are included in the Ranji Trophy squad for Round 1. ALSO READYashasvi Jaiswal’s Wicket-Keeping Ambitions Confirmed By Mumbai CaptainPunjab's Ranji Trophy 2026/27 Squad for Round 1Harnoor Pannu, Vihaan Malhotra, Anshul Chaudhary, Uday Saharan (c), Jashanpreet Sidhu, Salil Arora, Ramandeep Singh, Anmol Malhotra, Harpreet Brar, Emanjot Singh Chahal, Harjas Tandon, Gurnoor Brar, Umesh Yadav, Gursimran Singh, Sanvir Singh and Sehaj Dhawan.Standbys: Yuvi Goyal, Abhijeet Garg, Jasan Jindal, Sukhdeep Bajwa. Why is Shubman Gill not included in Punjab's Ranji squad?As the first round of the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 begins on October 11, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill hasn’t been named in Punjab’s squad vs Assam, despite reports suggesting the selectors would ask Test regulars to play at least one Ranji fixture before the New Zealand Tests. India’s New Zealand tour will kick off with the T20I leg, scheduled between October 22 and November 1. Meanwhile, the five ODIs will follow, with Shubman Gill leading the Men in Blue, before the two Tests begin on November 19 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.Nevertheless, Gill might look to skip the Round 1, after a taxing IND vs WI ODIs, and will be available for the next round starting on October 18. ALSO READIND Vs WI 2nd T20I Toss Update: India Go With Unchanged XI As West Indies Elects To Bowl