Prince Yadav ruled out of India vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I with hamstring injury
Synopsis
Prince Yadav's hamstring injury mid-over in the second T20I has ruled him out of the series decider, handing Ashok Sharma a debut opportunity alongside Mayank Yadav. With India already 2-0 up and the T20 World Cup title fresh, a 3-0 sweep in Harare would be a statement of depth — even without their strike bowler.
Key Takeaways
Prince Yadav has been ruled out of the 3rd T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on 26 July due to a hamstring injury.
The injury occurred on the second ball of his second over during the 2nd T20I ; he had already taken two wickets before leaving the field.
Ashok Sharma replaces Prince in the playing eleven and will open the bowling alongside Mayank Yadav .
Prince has taken 9 wickets in 6 T20Is at an average of 18.77 and economy of 8.31 .
India lead the series 2-0 and can complete a 3-0 sweep with a win in the final match.
Shreyas Iyer -led India posted 219/5 and bowled Zimbabwe out for 129 in the second T20I to win by 90 runs .
Fast bowler Prince Yadav has been ruled out of India's third and final T20I against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on 26 July due to a hamstring injury sustained during the second match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed after the toss.
How the Injury Happened
The Delhi-based right-arm pacer picked up the hamstring niggle during his bowling run-up on the second ball of his second over in the second T20I. Despite the injury forcing him off the field, Prince had already claimed two wickets before his exit. Shivam Dube, the seam-bowling all-rounder, completed the remainder of his over.
The BCCI confirmed: 'Prince Yadav was unavailable for selection in the third T20I due to a hamstring niggle which he sustained while bowling in the second T20I against Zimbabwe.'
Who Steps In
Tearaway pacer Ashok Sharma has replaced Prince in the playing eleven for the final clash and will share the new ball with speedster Mayank Yadav. The reshuffle tests India's bowling depth heading into a must-win-for-hosts contest that could end in a 3-0 series sweep.
Prince Yadav's Tour Numbers
In six T20Is to date, Prince has claimed nine wickets at an average of 18.77 and an economy rate of 8.31 — figures that underline his growing value in India's white-ball setup. His absence is a tangible loss of firepower for the visitors.
India's Dominant Series Run
India arrived at the decider riding an unassailable 2-0 lead after a commanding 90-run victory in the second T20I. That win was built on a batting masterclass: opener Ishan Kishan smashed 81 off 44 balls, while vice-captain Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 60 off 29 deliveries as the side posted 219/5. The Indian bowling attack then dismissed Zimbabwe for 129 in 17.5 overs.
A third consecutive win for Shreyas Iyer-led India — the reigning T20 World Cup champions — would complete a clean sweep of the short Zimbabwe tour and further consolidate the team's momentum heading into the next assignment.
Point of View
India's reliance on pace depth in a three-match series against a lower-ranked side has exposed a rotation gap: with Mayank Yadav also a fitness risk historically, the burden on Ashok Sharma in the decider is heavier than the scoreline suggests.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Prince Yadav been ruled out of the 3rd T20I against Zimbabwe?
Prince Yadav sustained a hamstring niggle while bowling in the second T20I against Zimbabwe on 26 July at Harare. The BCCI confirmed he was unavailable for selection in the third and final T20I as a result of that injury.
Who replaces Prince Yadav in the Indian playing eleven for the 3rd T20I?
Tearaway pacer Ashok Sharma has been named as Prince Yadav's replacement in the playing eleven. He will share the new ball with Mayank Yadav in the series decider at Harare Sports Club.
What are Prince Yadav's T20I stats so far?
In six T20Is to date, Prince Yadav has taken nine wickets at an average of 18.77 and an economy rate of 8.31, marking him as one of India's more economical pace options in the format.
What is the current series score between India and Zimbabwe?
India lead the three-match T20I series 2-0 after a 90-run victory in the second match. A win in the third T20I would hand Shreyas Iyer's side a 3-0 series sweep.
How did India perform in the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe?
India posted 219/5, powered by Ishan Kishan's 81 off 44 balls and Tilak Varma's unbeaten 60 off 29 deliveries. The bowling attack then dismissed Zimbabwe for 129 in 17.5 overs to secure a 90-run win.
