Not too long ago, Prince Yadav was bowling with tennis balls in local Delhi games, unknown outside a small cricketing circle. Now, after months of dismantling batters in domestic cricket and the IPL, the Lucknow Super Giants pacer has reportedly entered the conversation for a Team India call-up.
According to PTI, the selectors are considering Prince Yadav for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with the selection committee set to meet on May 19. The series will begin on June 14 after the one-off Test in Mullanpur. It will be a non-WTC match.
With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be carefully managed and Harshit Rana unlikely to recover from his long-term knee injury anytime soon, India are exploring fresh fast-bowling options as they begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Prince’s name has climbed that list.
What has made Prince Yadav climb up ladder?
Prince isn’t your quintessential pacer, who has developed through an academy system. He played almost entirely with tennis balls until the age of 17, which helped him develop natural back-spin, skiddy pace and awkward bounce.
His career nearly derailed in 2020 when he was banned for two years due to an age-fudging issue. Instead of disappearing, Prince rebuilt himself physically and technically while training under former Delhi pacer Pradeep Sangwan.
The comeback has been remarkable. After impressing in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), he first grabbed major attention during the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked up 18 wickets in eight matches for Delhi. Then came IPL 2026, where he has emerged as one of the breakout fast bowlers of the tournament.
Even Virat Kohli lavished praise on him, talking about how focused he was during those domestic games for Delhi. His ability to hit hard lengths consistently at 140-145 kmph has stood out. Prince has also developed a reputation for bowling under pressure, especially at the death, becoming the go-to weapon for Pant.
Prince Yadav in IPL 2026
- Matches: 12
- Wickets: 16
- Average: 24.00
- Economy: 8.53
