NEW DELHI: Punjab are turning to experience in its quest to end a 34-year wait for the Ranji Trophy, making a significant departure from their traditional approach by signing 38-year-old India pacer Umesh Yadav as a guest player for the 2026-27 domestic season. The move is historic for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), with Umesh becoming the first guest player signed by the association.Umesh, who has played 55 Tests, 75 ODIs and nine T20Is for India, has received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and will play for Punjab this season. PCA president Amarjit Mehta confirmed the veteran pacer’s move from Vidarbha to Punjab.“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 TimesofIndia.com.Asked about the decision to sign a player who will turn 39 in three weeks, and about the historic nature of the move, Mehta said: “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.“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.”Mehta also pointed to Punjab’s fast-bowling resources being stretched, with Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh expected to be away on India duty.“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, who last played for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, is likely to join the Punjab Ranji Trophy camp in the next day or two.“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.“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 play their first game of the Ranji Trophy season against Assam at New Chandigarh from October 11.
