Prince Yadav receives ODI cap No. 263 on India debut vs Afghanistan in Lucknow
Synopsis
Prince Yadav's ODI debut is more than a feel-good story — it is a full-circle moment. Banned for age-fudging at 17, he returned as a net bowler, worked his way into the IPL, took 16 wickets in 14 games, dismissed Virat Kohli, and was handed cap No. 263 by Shreyas Iyer in Lucknow. Few Indian debuts carry as much backstory.
Key Takeaways
Prince Yadav received ODI cap No.
263 from vice-captain Shreyas Iyer on 17 June ahead of India's second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow .
The 24-year-old Delhi pacer was one of three changes India made to their playing XI for the match.
Prince took 16 wickets in 14 IPL matches for Lucknow Super Giants in the 2026 season , earning his national call-up.
His career highlights include dismissing Virat Kohli and career-best IPL figures of 3/32 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru .
In 2019 , Prince served a two-year BCCI suspension for age-fudging in Under-19 cricket before rebuilding his career.
Yashasvi Jaiswal also came into the side after Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out with an injury.
Fast bowler Prince Yadav fulfilled what he called a lifelong dream on Wednesday, 17 June, receiving his maiden ODI cap No. 263 from vice-captain Shreyas Iyer ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The 24-year-old Delhi pacer's international arrival caps a remarkable turnaround that included a two-year suspension, a stint as a net bowler, and a breakout IPL season.
The Debut Moment
Iyer presented the cap with warm words for the debutant, acknowledging the hard road that brought him here. 'Cap number 263, Prince. You have worked really hard to get here, and your performance definitely proves that. You deserve this opportunity. And the way you said yesterday that you want to make your country proud, and make every single person following you happy. So, good luck to you, your family, and everyone who has supported you throughout this journey. Do well, Buddy,' Iyer said at the cap presentation.
Prince, visibly moved, reflected on what the moment meant. 'Whenever anyone starts playing cricket, their dream is always to play for India and wear the Indian jersey. During the headshot, I wore the jersey for the first time, so it feels really good. Made my parents feel proud, and I will thank god. Making a debut is a good thing for any player, but the main thing is that I perform for my team, and make my team win, then I will be very happy,' he said.
One of Three Changes for the Second ODI
Prince was among three changes India made to their playing XI for the second ODI. He replaced one of the seam-bowling options, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was brought in after Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out with an injury. The reshaped side reflects India's intent to give fringe players exposure in a bilateral series against Afghanistan.
The IPL Campaign That Earned Him a Call-Up
Prince's elevation to the national side followed a standout 2026 IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, where he claimed 16 wickets in 14 matches. His ability to generate sharp pace and execute deceptive variations drew widespread attention, including a memorable dismissal of Virat Kohli and career-best IPL figures of 3/32 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Notably, he had first joined the franchise as a net bowler before making his IPL debut in 2025.
From Suspension to International Cricket
Prince's path to the India cap was far from straightforward. In 2019, he served a two-year BCCI suspension after being found guilty of age-fudging in Under-19 cricket — a setback that could have ended many careers. Since returning, he rebuilt his reputation through consistent domestic performances before forcing his way into IPL contention and, ultimately, earning his maiden India call-up. This is the kind of redemption arc that gives Indian domestic cricket its depth and its stories.
Point of View
Often criticised as opaque, can — when it works — function as a corrective rather than a career-ender. What is easy to miss in the celebration is how thin the margin was: he entered the IPL as a net bowler, not a contracted player. His 16 wickets in 14 games are the kind of numbers that force selectors' hands, but the system only gave him that platform after he had already rebuilt from scratch. The larger question is how many similarly talented bowlers never get a second chance because they lack the franchise access he eventually found.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Prince Yadav and why is his ODI debut significant?
Prince Yadav is a 24-year-old fast bowler from Delhi who made his ODI debut for India on 17 June against Afghanistan in Lucknow, receiving cap No. 263. His debut is significant because he overcame a two-year BCCI ban for age-fudging in 2019 to reach the international stage.
What was Prince Yadav's IPL 2026 record that earned him an India call-up?
Prince Yadav took 16 wickets in 14 matches for Lucknow Super Giants during the 2026 IPL season. His performances included dismissing Virat Kohli and recording career-best figures of 3/32 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Why was Prince Yadav suspended by the BCCI?
Prince Yadav was handed a two-year suspension by the BCCI in 2019 after being found guilty of age-fudging in Under-19 cricket. He subsequently rebuilt his career through domestic cricket before breaking into the IPL.
Who handed Prince Yadav his ODI debut cap?
Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer presented Prince Yadav with his ODI cap, numbered 263, ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
What changes did India make for the second ODI against Afghanistan?
India made three changes for the second ODI. Prince Yadav replaced one of the seam-bowling options, Yashasvi Jaiswal was included, and Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out due to an injury.
