Umesh Yadav has played 55 Tests, 75 ODIs, and 9 T20Is for India.
Umesh Yadav recently parted ways with Vidarbha and received a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), allowing him to join Punjab. PCA president Amarjeet Mehta has confirmed Umesh's move from Vidarbha to Punjab. Umesh has become the first-ever guest player signed by Punjab.
“His presence will bolster our bowling unit,” Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjeet Singh Mehta told Sportstar.
He has played 55 Tests, 75 ODIs, and 9 T20Is for India. He might be a very good boost for Punjab in their attempt to achieve success in the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign. The veteran pacer is also expected to play an important role in guiding the young bowlers of 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. We have taken the decision to keep our red-ball cricket in focus.
Punjab has not won the Ranji Trophy since 1992, and we think Umesh is someone who can deliver the title to us. 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.
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,” Amarjeet told the Times of India.
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.
Punjab will play their first game of the Ranji Trophy season against Assam at New Chandigarh on October 11.