Umesh Yadav is set to join Punjab from Vidarbha.
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. He has won the Ranji Trophy with Vidarbha and has been a champion bowler for India as well,” Mehta told TimesofIndia.com.
“He has proven credentials as a bowler.
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. 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. The move is historic for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), with Umesh becoming the first guest player signed by the association.
This is also one of the reasons why we have decided to bring in Umesh Yadav,” he said. 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. “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. “He is still fit and, in Indian conditions, along with Mohammed Shami , Umesh was lethal.