Due to Umesh’s sharp bowling, Assam team was reduced to 373 runs in the first innings. He achieved the feat of taking five wickets in an innings for the 16th time in his first class career. Punjab’s 26-year-old fast bowler Gurnoor Brar also supported Umesh well. Both the bowlers together maintained pressure on the Assam batsmen and prevented the team from scoring a big score.
Umesh left Vidarbha and joined Punjab
Umesh Yadav has spent a major part of his domestic cricket career playing for Vidarbha. He made his debut in first class cricket for Vidarbha in 2008. Now he has joined the Punjab team as a guest player for the 2026-27 season. By taking five wickets in his first Ranji match for the new team, he showed that he still has the ability to perform big.
Injury halted career, comeback after surgery
Umesh Yadav played the World Test Championship final against Australia at the Oval in June 2023. Since then he has not been seen in the jersey of the Indian team. Due to a serious injury, he had to undergo surgery in England and undergo rehabilitation for about a year.
After a long break, he returned to competitive cricket for Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year. After this he was continuously looking for opportunities in red-ball cricket. His association with Punjab is being considered an important step in this direction.
Couldn’t find buyer in IPL, now showed strength in Ranji
Umesh Yadav did not find any buyer in the IPL 2026 auction. He did not take the field as a player this season, but was seen doing commentary during the tournament. However, now he has once again proved his bowling ability by taking five wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
This performance of Umesh is a relief for Punjab. On the basis of his experience and fast bowling, he can strengthen the bowling attack of the team. His comeback at the age of 38 is also an example for those players who want to make their mark on the field again after injury or a long gap.