Prince Yadav's 'dream ball' to Kohli signals India potential, says LSG coach Arun
Synopsis
Prince Yadav's 'dream ball' to Virat Kohli wasn't just a moment of skill — it was a statement of arrival. From three wickets last season to 16 this campaign, the LSG pacer is forcing India's selectors to take notice. Bharat Arun's backing, combined with the technical execution on display, suggests a genuine pathway to the national team.
Key Takeaways
Prince Yadav took 16 wickets in 10 innings in IPL 2026 , up from 3 wickets in 6 games last season.
His nip-backer delivery to Virat Kohli has been hailed as the tournament's standout bowling moment.
Bharat Arun , LSG bowling coach and former India bowling coach, backed Prince to play for India in future.
Arun credited pre-season one-on-one coaching sessions for Prince's technical refinement and confidence under pressure.
Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan were also cited as credible national-team prospects by Arun .
Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Bharat Arun on Sunday praised Prince Yadav's rapid evolution in IPL 2026, calling his nip-backer delivery to Virat Kohli a "dream ball" and backing the New Delhi-based pacer to represent India in the near future. The dismissal, which came in LSG's nine-run victory over a rain-interrupted clash, has been widely regarded as the tournament's standout bowling moment.
From three wickets to 16
Prince managed just three wickets across six games in IPL 2025, but has transformed dramatically this season, taking 16 wickets in ten innings. His breakthrough delivery to Kohli exemplified the technical refinement he has developed under Arun's coaching.
The anatomy of the 'dream ball'
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of LSG's clash against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday, Arun explained the rarity of Prince's execution. "It's not very common — mostly, outswing bowlers, after pitching, the ball swings in the air. After pitching, the ball tends to come in because of the position of the seam, how it lands," Arun said. "I don't think any bowler can bowl it at will, but if you are consistently working on your swing, it can be possible. And it was a dream ball."
Pre-season preparation and Kohli's reaction
Arun attributed Prince's progress to focused one-on-one sessions during pre-season camps, where the coaching staff identified and honed the pacer's core strengths. Kohli himself was left puzzled by the delivery's execution. "Even we had a chat with Kohli and Kohli said: 'how did he bowl that ball?'" Arun recalled. The emphasis, Arun noted, was on building confidence under pressure rather than adding new skills.
India prospects beyond Prince
Arun, who previously served as India's bowling coach, also highlighted the national-team potential of LSG's other pace bowlers. He cited Mayank Yadav, who played three T20Is for India in 2024 following a standout IPL campaign that year, and uncapped left-arm quick Mohsin Khan as credible candidates. "Can they play for India? Yes, they have it in them," Arun said. "It's how well the Indian team management brings together the talent and gets the best out of it — that's a challenge for them."
Mayank's fitness and momentum
Mayank Yadav bowled well in LSG's most recent outing, though Arun acknowledged he remains short of match practice. Mohammed Shami, another LSG pacer, has also performed consistently this season, adding depth to the franchise's bowling unit.
Point of View
They haven't.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Prince Yadav's 'dream ball' to Virat Kohli?
It was a nip-backer delivery bowled by Prince Yadav to Virat Kohli in an IPL 2026 match between LSG and another team. The ball swung into the batsman after pitching — a rare and difficult execution that has been widely regarded as the tournament's standout bowling moment. Kohli himself was impressed enough to ask coach Bharat Arun how the delivery was bowled.
How many wickets has Prince Yadav taken in IPL 2026?
Prince Yadav has taken 16 wickets in 10 innings in IPL 2026, a dramatic improvement from his 3 wickets in 6 games during IPL 2025.
Why has Bharat Arun backed Prince Yadav for India?
Bharat Arun, LSG's bowling coach and former India bowling coach, believes Prince has the technical skill and temperament to play for India. He credited pre-season one-on-one coaching sessions that focused on executing Prince's core strengths under pressure, rather than overloading him with new skills.
Which other LSG bowlers does Arun believe can play for India?
Arun cited Mayank Yadav, who has already played three T20Is for India in 2024, and uncapped left-arm quick Mohsin Khan as credible national-team prospects. He also highlighted Mohammed Shami's consistent performances this season.
When did Prince Yadav emerge as a standout performer in IPL 2026?
Prince's evolution accelerated during the pre-season camps ahead of IPL 2026, where LSG's coaching staff conducted focused one-on-one sessions. His standout moment came with the 'dream ball' delivery to Virat Kohli, which marked his arrival as a tournament-level performer.
