From Tennis-Ball Cricket to LSG Sensation: The Resurgence of Prince Yadav
Prince Yadav once faced frequent reprimands from his father for playing tennis-ball cricket in Dariyapur Khurd, a village near Najafgarh on the southwestern outskirts of Delhi. Today, the 24-year-old fast bowler is an emerging talent for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League.
“I used to get a lot of beating at home,” Yadav stated. “I never aspired to become a professional cricketer. I just enjoyed playing tennis-ball cricket and did nothing else.”
Early Life and Farming Roots
Yadav’s transition to professional cricket was unconventional. His father, a retired Railways Police Force personnel, worried about his son’s career prospects. The family relied primarily on wheat farming for income. Yadav remains active in agriculture, recently helping his family harvest wheat during a break from cricket.
He continues to play tennis-ball cricket, crediting the heavier ball for his arm speed and ability to bowl fast yorkers. His formal training began at age 17 when former Delhi cricketer Lalit Yadav scouted him and facilitated his enrollment in a cricket academy 15 kilometers from his home.
Overcoming the BCCI Ban
Yadav’s career stalled in 2020 when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a two-year ban for age-fudging. He committed the violation while registering for Under-19 tournaments shortly after transitioning to the hard ball.
During his suspension, former Delhi fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan offered to train him. Yadav spent two years training quietly and playing local tennis-ball tournaments. This consistent preparation allowed him to return to competitive cricket in optimal physical condition once the ban expired.
Breakout IPL Performances
Yadav is now translating his raw pace into consistent IPL performances. In a recent high-scoring fixture against the Punjab Kings, he delivered an economical spell while other bowlers struggled.
| Opponent | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 4.0 | 25 | 2 | 6.25 |
LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun states that Yadav is developing into a complete fast bowler. Arun notes Yadav’s ability to swing the ball, execute slower deliveries, and consistently hit yorkers.
Mentorship Under Senior Pacers
Yadav credits his rapid development to the guidance of experienced international bowlers. During practice sessions, he consistently seeks technical feedback from veteran pacer Mohammed Shami.
His professional growth is supported by a network of experienced mentors:
- Mohammed Shami: Provides on-field tactical advice and off-field mentorship.
- Zaheer Khan: Maintained regular contact with Yadav to discuss bowling strategies following previous IPL seasons.
- Ishant Sharma: Mentored Yadav within the Delhi state team setup.
Yadav is currently featured on the BCCI shortlist of targeted fast bowlers, positioning him as a prospect for the Indian national team. For complete player statistics and upcoming match schedules, fans can follow updates on ESPN Cricinfo and the official IPL website.