Prince Yadav 'not far' from India debut, says Rayudu after 3-33 display vs RCB
Synopsis
Prince Yadav's three-wicket haul against RCB, capped by a stunning delivery to dismiss Virat Kohli, has prompted Ambati Rayudu to declare his India debut 'not far away.' The young Delhi pacer's seam bowling, fitness, and ability to bowl four-five quality deliveries per over have marked him as a rare all-format prospect in a crowded Indian pace contingent.
Key Takeaways
Prince Yadav took 3-33 as LSG defeated RCB by 9 runs at Ekana Stadium on May 8 .
Yadav dismissed Virat Kohli with a high-quality seam delivery for a two-ball duck.
Ambati Rayudu predicted Yadav's imminent India debut, citing his heavy ball, consistency, and multi-format potential.
LSG posted 209/3 , led by Mitchell Marsh's 111 ; RCB fell short despite Rajat Patidar's 61 and Tim David's 40 .
Rayudu noted Yadav bowls 4-5 quality deliveries per over, a rarity among contemporary Indian pacers.
Lucknow, May 8 — Former India batter Ambati Rayudu on Thursday backed young pacer Prince Yadav for an imminent international call-up following a standout 3-33 performance in Lucknow Super Giants' nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Yadav's spell proved decisive in LSG's successful defence of a DLS-adjusted target of 213 in the rain-curtailed 19-overs-a-side contest, highlighted by a stunning delivery that caught Virat Kohli for a two-ball duck.
Rayudu's Assessment
"I think he is going to make his debut soon," Rayudu told ESPNCricinfo, underscoring Yadav's trajectory. "That guy is a special talent. The way he runs in, his run-up itself tells you that he is in there for a fight. He bowls a heavy ball, and most of his deliveries hit the stumps. That's his speciality." The former India batter singled out the Kohli dismissal as a watershed moment, describing it as "very, very special" and noting the seam position that made it a high-quality delivery.
Delhi Connection
Rayudu highlighted a personal angle to Yadav's success: both hail from Delhi, and Kohli is also a Delhi player. "Prince Yadav, who too comes from Delhi, plays for Delhi, gets his Delhi team-mate," Rayudu added, underscoring the shared regional roots.
Multi-Format Credentials
Rayudu backed Yadav as a potential all-format bowler, citing his fitness, rhythm and consistency. "I think he'll be a treat to stand in the slips. To watch this guy bowl is unbelievable. It'll be a total pleasure to stand in first or second slip to him. He is a potential 50-over bowler as well," he said. The veteran batter praised Yadav's ability to sustain pressure: "A lot of bowlers bowl one or two good balls in an over. This guy bowls about four to five. That's his strength."
Match Context
LSG posted 209/3, powered by Mitchell Marsh's 111, with Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran contributing useful runs. RCB mounted a spirited chase through Rajat Patidar's 61 off 31 balls and Tim David's 40 off 17 deliveries, but Yadav and Shahbaz Ahmed struck at critical junctures to seal the outcome. This marks another milestone in Yadav's ascent toward national recognition.
Point of View
Shami, and Siraj, a young bowler with his seam consistency and fitness profile could disrupt the hierarchy — but only if he sustains this form beyond the IPL bubble. Rayudu's endorsement carries weight, yet India's track record of promoting IPL stars without domestic red-ball credentials remains mixed. The real test comes in Ranji Trophy cricket, not T20 theatrics.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prince Yadav take against RCB?
Prince Yadav took 3 wickets for 33 runs in LSG's nine-run victory over RCB on May 8 at Ekana Stadium. His standout moment was dismissing Virat Kohli with a high-quality seam delivery for a two-ball duck.
Why does Ambati Rayudu believe Prince Yadav will debut soon?
Rayudu cited Yadav's heavy ball, seam bowling accuracy, fitness, clean action, and consistency in bowling four to five quality deliveries per over. He also praised his multi-format potential and described the Kohli dismissal as 'very, very special.'
Which team does Prince Yadav play for?
Prince Yadav plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. He is also a Delhi-based cricketer who represents Delhi in domestic cricket, as highlighted by Rayudu.
What was LSG's target in the match?
LSG set a DLS-adjusted target of 213 runs in a rain-curtailed 19-overs-a-side contest. They posted 209/3, powered by Mitchell Marsh's 111, and successfully defended it against RCB.
