3 experienced bowlers who impressed in Round 1 of Ranji Trophy

2. Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, who moved from Vidarbha to Punjab ahead of this season, featured in Punjab's Round 1 match against Assam in New Chandigarh. Play on Day 1 was affected by bad light and rain, but Yadav still made an impression early, having taken 2 wickets for 18 runs at stumps. He went on to finish the first innings with figures of 5 wickets for 70 runs in 24 overs, a strong return for a bowler who had been absent from first-class cricket for approximately two years.

His new role with Punjab also carried a mentorship dimension for the younger players in the side. The five-wicket haul confirmed that Yadav retained the ability to be a match-winning force at domestic level despite the extended break from red-ball cricket.