Bangladesh Cricket

Prince Yadav Shares Emotional World Cup Dream with Rohit and Kohli

Rahul Verma · · 5 min read
prince yadav 20 05 2026
Share

An Emotional World Cup Dream for the Rising Star

The journey of a young cricketer from the local grounds of Najafgarh to the prestigious dressing room of the Indian national team is the stuff of dreams. For young fast bowler Prince Yadav, this dream has transformed into a stunning reality over the course of just a few life-changing weeks. Having recently earned his maiden call-up to the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, Prince has quickly transitioned from an eager learner watching senior pros to becoming one of the most talked-about emerging talents in Indian cricket. But beyond his brilliant on-field exploits, it is his raw, emotional honesty that has truly captured the hearts of cricket fans across the nation.

In a newly released video by his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Prince Yadav shared a deeply personal and emotional dream that instantly went viral. The young pacer expressed his ultimate aspiration: to represent India in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup alongside the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and to play a pivotal role in helping India lift the coveted trophy.

This sincere confession struck a deep chord with fans, serving as a beautiful reminder of the generational respect and admiration that young Indian cricketers hold for the country’s modern-day legends. For Prince, who grew up watching Rohit and Virat dominate world cricket, the prospect of sharing the ultimate stage with them is not just a career goal, but a lifelong passion. With his inclusion in the national squad, the first crucial step toward making this dream a reality has officially been taken.

READ:  IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood Becomes RCB's Death-Over Specialist Against PBKS

The IPL 2026 Breakthrough and Domestic Success

Prince’s national call-up is the direct result of sheer hard work and consistent performances on the big stage. Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 season, the young speedster proved his mettle by taking 16 wickets in 12 matches. He consistently delivered crucial breakthroughs for his franchise, showcasing a remarkably calm demeanor under intense pressure. Whether bowling in the powerplay or nailing yorkers in the death overs, Prince established himself as a reliable asset. One of the absolute highlights of his stellar IPL campaign was dismissing none other than Virat Kohli for a duck—a moment that firmly put him on the selectors’ radar.

His success, however, is not limited to the glitz and glamour of the IPL. Prince has been a standout performer in the grueling domestic circuit as well. During the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he spearheaded his team’s bowling attack, claiming 18 wickets at an outstanding average of just 19.27. These numbers highlight his ability to sustain pressure and perform consistently across different formats, laying a robust foundation for his transition to international cricket.

Virat Kohli’s High Praise for the Youngster

Interestingly, Prince’s connection with Virat Kohli goes back to their domestic cricket encounters. Kohli, who has always been supportive of young talent, previously shared his thoughts on Prince during an appearance on the RCB podcast. The former Indian captain recalled their interactions during the domestic 50-over tournament, praising Prince’s unique personality and work ethic.

“So people don’t know, I went and played Vijay Hazare, I didn’t know Prince at all. Because on the field, he feels very intense, and he’s such a sweet guy, and he’s so funny,” Kohli remarked. He further elaborated on how he mentored the young bowler during those games, adding, “I was telling him during those Vijay Hazare games where to bowl and what to do.” This endorsement from one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history speaks volumes about Prince’s attitude, coachability, and natural talent.

READ:  Top 5 Greatest Batting Knocks In IPL Playoffs Ft. Suresh Raina - Top 5 Greatest Batting Performances in IPL Playoffs History

Stepping Up in the Absence of Jasprit Bumrah

The upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan presents a golden opportunity for Prince Yadav and other young pacers. With India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rested after a demanding IPL season, the national selectors have turned their focus toward building bench strength. Alongside Prince, the pace battery features promising names like Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar. It is a perfect platform for these young guns to showcase their capabilities on the international stage.

The bilateral series will kick off after a one-off Test match against Afghanistan. The action-packed ODI leg is scheduled to begin in the picturesque stadium of Dharamshala on June 14, with the subsequent matches set to be played in Lucknow and Chennai. For Prince, playing in Lucknow will feel like a homecoming of sorts, given his familiarity with the venue through his LSG stint.

India ODI squad:

  • Shubman Gill (C)
  • Rohit Sharma
  • Virat Kohli
  • Shreyas Iyer (VC)
  • KL Rahul (WK)
  • Ishan Kishan (WK)
  • Hardik Pandya
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy
  • Washington Sundar
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Prasidh Krishna
  • Prince Yadav
  • Gurnoor Brar
  • Harsh Dubey

As Prince Yadav prepares to don the famous blue jersey, fans across the country will be watching closely, hoping this young prodigy from Najafgarh can turn his heartfelt World Cup dream into a glorious reality.

Rahul Verma

Rahul Verma is a senior cricket correspondent for NDTV Sports, recognised for bringing broadcast‑style clarity and data‑enriched narratives to digital sports journalism. A proud graduate of Hansraj College, University of Delhi, he started his career in radio commentary before moving into newsroom reporting. Rahul’s ability to decode complex match situations with the precision of an analyst and the flair of a storyteller has made him a trusted voice for millions of NDTV viewers and readers. He covers the Indian team across all formats and is a constant presence during the IPL, where he combines ball‑by‑ball coverage with behind‑the‑scenes insights on team strategies. His reporting also shines a light on the thriving grassroots cricket scene in North India, unearthing talent from school tournaments to state‑level age‑group cricket. A recipient of the Exchange4media Broadcasting Award and a RedInk prize, Rahul believes the best cricket stories are told with equal parts data, drama, and heart.