Umesh Yadav takes five wickets in Punjab debut

Umesh Yadav took five wickets for 70 runs in 24 overs as Punjab bowled Assam out for 373 in the fast bowler’s first Ranji Trophy match for his new team. The performance marked his return to first-class cricket after a two-year gap and came in Punjab’s opening fixture of the 2026-27 season. Yadav, who spent nearly 18 years with Vidarbha, joined Punjab as a professional player ahead of the season. He last played a first-class match for Vidarbha in October 2024, according to match coverage. His five-wicket haul against Assam was his 16th in the format, and he bowled seven maiden overs. After Assam’s innings, Punjab were 86 runs behind with five wickets remaining at the end of the third day, according to a match update. The available reports describe the game at that stage rather than its final result. The 38-year-old also used the return to call for clearer communication from selectors about his prospects of playing for India. He said selectors had previously told him he remained eligible and could be considered if an opportunity arose, but that he later received no clear update. Yadav last represented India in June 2023, according to the reports.