Chennai Super Kings' legendary batter Ambati Rayudu has high praise for Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) breakout pacer Prince Yadav, suggesting that a national debut could be on the horizon for the youngster. Prince has emerged as one of the standout talents of IPL 2026, marking a big turnaround after a difficult 2025 season. Although LSG has struggled collectively and currently languishes at the bottom of the points table, Prince’s individual performances have remained a consistent bright spot for the franchise.
That guy is a special talent: Ambati Rayudu on Prince Yadav
The fast bowler's reputation reached new heights during the May 7 clash in Lucknow, where he famously dismissed former RCB captain Virat Kohli for a duck. Prince didn't stop there, claiming the crucial wickets of Devdutt Padikkal and Jitesh Sharma to finish with impressive figures of 3/33. His clinical spell was instrumental in helping LSG snap a grueling six-match losing streak, defending a DLS-adjusted target of 213 to secure a narrow 9-point victory over Bangalore.
The match, which was shortened to 19 overs due to rain, was initially set up by Mitchell Marsh’s commanding century that propelled Lucknow to 209. While RCB’s lower middle order attempted a late-game surge, Prince’s middle-over breakthroughs proved to be the difference-maker. Reflecting on the performance, Rayudu noted on ESPNCricinfo that Prince possesses a "special" talent, attributing his rapid rise to his remarkable consistency and disciplined bowling lines.
“I think he’s going to make his debut soon for India. That guy is a special talent. We have seen it throughout the IPL, and also the way he runs in his run-up itself tells that he’s in there with a fight. He bowls a heavy ball, and most of his deliveries are hitting the stumps if you look at it. That’s a speciality, and the ball [to Kohli] was very, very special. That’s a beautiful ball to bowl, with it swinging right in front of the bat. I don’t think any batsman in the world can play them," he said.
Rayudu further lauded Prince’s technical discipline, specifically highlighting his remarkable ability to maintain a consistent line and length under pressure. The former Chennai Super Kings stalwart suggested that these fundamental attributes provide a strong foundation for Prince to evolve into a versatile, three-format bowler for India, rather than being limited to the shorter format.
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He has the consistency which most of the bowlers don’t have: Rayudu
This glowing appraisal follows a dramatic resurgence for the young pacer. Prince’s transformation has been one of the most significant storylines of the season; in IPL 2025, he struggled immensely, managing only three wickets across six matches with a ballooning average of 75. However, his performance in IPL 2026 has improved by leaps and bounds, proving that he has successfully refined his craft over the past year. Statistically, Prince is now among the elite bowlers in the competition, currently sitting third in the race for the Purple Cap. With 16 wickets in just 10 matches, he boasts an impressive bowling average of 18.68. Combined with a steady economy rate of 8.00, his ability to balance wicket-taking aggression with run-scoring control has left a lasting impression on fans and pundits alike.
“Seriously, to watch this guy bowl is unbelievable. I mean it’ll be a total pleasure to stand in the first or second slip to it. I think he’s an all-format bowler, the way he’s looking. His fitness and also because he’s so fit he’s so agile and his action is so clean, he has the consistency which most of the bowlers don’t have. Lot of bowlers bowl one or two good balls in an over this guy bowls about four to five. So that’s his strength I feel,” Rayudu concluded.