Veteran India quick marks new Ranji chapter with a five-for after two years away

Umesh Yadav shines for Punjab with a five-wicket haulThe veteran India fast bowler showed glimpses of his peak as he made a return to first-class cricket from a two-year gap, having switched to Punjab ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 season. He had earlier spent 18 years with Vidarbha. Two weeks shy of turning 39, Yadav began this new chapter of his career with 5-70 in 24 overs to restrict Assam to 373.Gurnoor Brar handed Punjab the breakthrough in the very first over of the match, after which Yadav bowled a peach of a delivery to knock over Rishav Das.