India fast bowler Umesh Yadav will represent Punjab as a guest player in the upcoming domestic season, adding experience and pace to the state side’s bowling attack.
The 38-year-old pacer has parted ways with Vidarbha, where he had spent the last several seasons, and will now turn out for Punjab. The move comes as Yadav looks to get regular game time across formats in domestic cricket.
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Yadav has been out of India’s plans in recent times but remains an experienced campaigner with a long international and First-Class career. Punjab’s decision to bring him into the squad is expected to strengthen its bowling department, particularly ahead of the Ranji Trophy.
Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjeet Singh Mehta said Yadav’s presence would bolster the team’s bowling unit. His ability to generate pace and extract movement with the new ball is expected to provide Punjab with an additional option, especially in the longer format.
Yadav can also play a role in guiding the younger fast bowlers in the squad. With a relatively young group of quicks, Punjab will have an experienced international pacer to lead the attack and share his knowledge of playing at the highest level.
The fast bowler has represented India across all three formats. He has taken 170 wickets in 57 Tests, 106 wickets in 75 ODIs and 12 wickets in nine T20Is.
Yadav was part of India’s Test set-up for more than a decade and established himself as one of the country’s prominent pace bowlers during that period. His ability to bowl at high pace, particularly with the new ball, made him an important part of India’s fast-bowling group across formats.
His domestic move to Punjab also marks the beginning of a new chapter after his association with Vidarbha. Yadav had spent the last several seasons with the team and was part of its domestic setup during that period.
