Watch: 38-year-old Umesh Yadav shines on Punjab debut with 5-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy, sparks India comeback call

Veteran Indian pacer Umesh Yadav made an impressive return to first-class cricket with a five-wicket haul for Punjab against Assam in the Ranji Trophy. The 38-year-old finished with figures of 5/70 as Assam were bowled out for 373 at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. It was his first-class comeback after nearly two years and his first Ranji Trophy appearance since December 2024.

Umesh picked up two wickets on Sunday before returning the next day to claim three more and complete his five-wicket haul. He bowled 24 overs at an economy rate of 2.90, leading Punjab’s bowling attack with an impressive performance. His latest achievement also took his career tally to 16 five-wicket hauls in first-class cricket.

The veteran pacer showed that he still has the skill and experience to make an impact at the highest level. His performance has sparked discussions among fans about a possible return to the Indian team. 

Watch Umesh Yadav’s five-wicket haul video here:

Umesh Yadav takes five wickets on his Punjab debut in the Ranji Trophy

Veteran pacer Umesh Yadav made an impressive start to his Ranji Trophy campaign for Punjab, taking five wickets against Assam. The 38-year-old recorded figures of 5/70 in 24 overs across two days. Playing his first Ranji Trophy match since December 2024, he showed his experience and skill with the ball.

The Nagpur-born pacer struck early on Day 1 by bowling opener Rishav Das for a duck before dismissing No. 3 batter Rajveer Singh. He returned on Monday to claim three more wickets, removing Amlanjyoti Das, Mukhtar Hussain and Mohit Thakur to complete his five-wicket haul. The performance marked the 16th five-wicket haul of his first-class career.

See also -Watch: Throwback to when Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron scripted India's thrilling one-wicket win vs West Indies in 2011 Cuttack ODI

Umesh bowled 24 overs, one more than fellow Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar, who bowled 23 overs. The two bowlers helped Punjab keep Assam’s total under control and prevented the opposition from adding more runs in the lower order. Umesh’s performance was a major highlight of his return to first-class cricket.

How Umesh Yadav’s spell turned the match for Punjab

Umesh Yadav made an early impact by dismissing Rishav Das for a duck on Day 1 before removing Rajveer Singh. He returned on Monday and struck three more times, dismissing Amlanjyoti Das, Mukhtar Hussain and Mohit Thakur. His five-wicket haul helped Punjab put pressure on Assam’s batting line-up.

The 38-year-old bowled 24 overs across the two days, showing his fitness and experience in red-ball cricket. Fellow pacer Gurnoor Brar also played an important role in keeping Assam’s scoring under control. Together, they helped Punjab limit Assam’s total to 373 despite strong contributions from the top order, including two centuries.

See also -Vihaan Malhotra smashes brilliant hundred on first-class debut for Punjab vs Assam in Ranji Trophy 2026

The performance was an important start to a new chapter in Umesh’s domestic career. After representing Vidarbha since making his debut in 2008, he joined Punjab as a guest player for the 2026–27 season in search of a fresh opportunity. His five-wicket haul against Assam gave Punjab an early glimpse of the experience and skill he can bring to their bowling attack.

Fans call for an India comeback: Can Umesh Yadav return?

Umesh Yadav last represented India in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. He has not played for the national team since then, but his recent domestic performance has once again drawn attention to his abilities as a fast bowler.

The experienced pacer spent most of his domestic career with Vidarbha, making his debut for the state in 2008. He has now joined Punjab as a guest player for the 2026–27 season, bringing years of domestic and international experience to the team’s bowling attack.

Umesh’s five-wicket haul against Assam has given him an encouraging start with Punjab and sparked discussions among fans about a possible India comeback. However, whether he returns to the national side will depend on his performances and the team management’s plans. For now, his focus will be on making the most of this new opportunity in domestic cricket.