Prince Yadav's World Cup dream within reach, says Pujara after LSG's 9-run win
Synopsis
Prince Yadav's match-winning 3 for 33 has reignited talk of his World Cup prospects. With Pujara's endorsement and expert praise for his seam bowling against Kohli, the young pacer has moved from fringe talent to genuine contention for India's fast-bowling pecking order — if he sustains this trajectory.
Key Takeaways
Prince Yadav claimed 3 for 33 as LSG defeated RCB by nine runs in a rain-curtailed 19-overs-a-side contest on 8 May .
The pacer removed Virat Kohli , Devdutt Padikkal , and Jitesh Sharma in a high-pressure chase.
Cheteshwar Pujara backed Prince's World Cup ambitions, citing his talent and temperament over two seasons.
Mitchell Marsh scored 111 to anchor LSG's 209/3 batting effort.
Expert Mitchell McClenaghan praised Prince's seam bowling execution and extra pace as match-winning factors.
Cheteshwar Pujara, the former India batter, has backed fast bowler Prince Yadav to realise his World Cup ambitions after the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a thrilling nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a rain-curtailed contest on 8 May. Prince's match-winning performance — 3 for 33 — proved decisive as LSG defended 209/3 in the 19-overs-a-side fixture.
Prince's standout bowling display
The young pacer delivered under pressure, claiming the crucial scalps of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Jitesh Sharma to arrest RCB's chase after the opposition had threatened to overhaul the target. His ability to bowl economically — conceding just two runs in one over while taking two wickets — underscored his composure in high-pressure situations.
Pujara's assessment of Prince's trajectory
Pujara highlighted that Prince's consistent performances across the last two seasons demonstrate both the technical skill and mental fortitude required for international cricket. "He bowls in all phases of the game, often in pressure situations," Pujara told Jio Hotstar. "He is talented, and that World Cup dream he was talking about, I am sure, will not be far from reality. Yes, he has the dream to represent India at the World Cup, but he also has the ability." Pujara stressed the importance of maintaining focus on process-driven improvement, as Prince has demonstrated from the previous season to this one.
LSG's batting foundation
Mitchell Marsh anchored LSG's innings with a commanding 111, supported by captain Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. Under the DLS method, the revised target stood at 213 in 19 overs. Mohammad Shami set the tone early, removing Jacob Bethell in the opening over, before Prince's breakthrough delivery to Kohli shifted momentum decisively.
Expert analysis of Prince's key dismissals
Former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan praised the technical execution behind Prince's dismissal of Kohli, describing it as a "divine delivery." McClenaghan noted that Prince achieved movement off the seam without attempting to swing the ball, a distinction that separated it from conventional fast bowling. The removal of Padikkal — who had been in exceptional form — demonstrated tactical awareness, with Prince forcing the batter away from his preferred hip-line pull shot. McClenaghan highlighted Prince's extra pace as the differentiator in executing the short-ball plan against Jitesh Sharma, a dismissal pattern that had surfaced repeatedly in the tournament.
What lies ahead
As LSG consolidates its position in the tournament, Prince's emergence as a reliable death-overs and pressure-situation bowler has amplified conversations around India's fast-bowling depth. His trajectory suggests he is on the cusp of national team recognition, provided he sustains this form across the remainder of the season.
Point of View
But so does the reality that India's pace attack remains crowded. Prince's path to a Test or ODI debut runs through consistency, not heroics.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prince Yadav achieve in LSG's win over RCB?
Prince Yadav took 3 for 33 as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by nine runs in a rain-curtailed 19-overs-a-side match on 8 May. He dismissed Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Jitesh Sharma under pressure while conceding just two runs in one over.
Why is Cheteshwar Pujara backing Prince Yadav for World Cup selection?
Pujara believes Prince possesses both the talent and temperament required for international cricket. He cited the pacer's consistent performances over the last two seasons, his ability to bowl in all phases including pressure situations, and his focus on continuous improvement as reasons to believe his World Cup dream is achievable.
What made Prince's dismissal of Virat Kohli special?
According to former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan, Prince delivered a seam-based delivery that swung off the seam just enough to beat Kohli without attempting a conventional swing. The execution demonstrated technical precision and was described as a 'divine delivery.'
How did LSG post such a large total against RCB?
Mitchell Marsh scored a commanding 111, supported by captain Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. Under the DLS method in the rain-curtailed match, LSG's total of 209/3 translated to a revised target of 213 for RCB in 19 overs.
What is Prince Yadav's path to India selection?
While his IPL performances have been impressive, Prince must sustain this form across multiple seasons at the highest domestic and franchise levels before World Cup selection becomes likely. Consistent excellence rather than individual match heroics is typically the benchmark for national team recognition.
