Fast bowler Umesh Yadav has made the switch from Vidarbha to Punjab ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. Umesh, who made his first-class debut for Vidarbha in 2008 and spent 18 years with the team, has played 124 first-class matches with 380 wickets, including 57 Tests for India in which he returned 170 wickets.
"Yes, I have signed a contract with Punjab and I am thankful to the PCA management for giving me a chance to represent their side," Umesh told the Hitavada.
"I was in search of a big team which is doing well in the domestic circuit. I was playing for a good team, no doubt. But when I left Vidarbha, there were murmurs in VCA corridors that Umesh would only get a chance to play for a small team, like from the Northeast. But I have decided to join a team which is strong and is doing well."
Punjab have overhauled their coaching set-up ahead of the season, and the move to recruit Umesh could be part of their attempt to strengthen their chances of taking 20 wickets in a game.
"We want to do better in red-ball cricket this time, and for that, you need bowlers who can take 20 wickets. So we will work towards that," new head coach Amit Uniyal had said.
Umesh last played a first-class match in October 2024, but did appear in the last edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.