News
“They had put someone else’s photo” – Prince Yadav reveals confusion after being picked for first time in IPL
By SMCS - Oct 30, 2026 7:30 am
Views 1

LSG pace bowler Prince Yadav was picked by the franchise during the IPL 2025 auctions for ₹30 lakh. He shared his experience of being picked and a confusion that happened as well. On a podcast with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, Prince Yadav shared how he was playing for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) during the IPL 2025 auction.

Prince Yadav
Prince Yadav cleaned up Axar Patel

“The SMAT was going on, and I was in Mumbai. The auction was going on, but I was not watching it. My friends and others were watching. Some other team was playing SMAT, and I was watching that match instead. My friend came and told me that LSG picked me. I was happy. But he told me they had put someone else’s photo. There is a Prince Yadav from UP. It was his photo. So I had a doubt. I checked the serial number list, and it was mine. But I was not sure. But then I got a message and a call, and then it was clear,” he said.

READ HERE: “He is not here for the milestones” – Hanuma Vihari on Virat Kohli

“Before being picked, I had been in that environment. I was a net bowler with LSG in the previous season. Zaheer Sir met me, and I thought I could learn a lot from there. It was like I kept finding the right people at the right time. He helped me a lot with my mindset and technique. He told me what to work on, but he also told me we would not work on those things during the season. So he told me we would keep working on the sidelines. I went to him after the IPL and spent 3-4 days with him in Mumbai. He worked with me on the new ball,” he further added.

Prince Yadav
Prince Yadav

Prince Yadav also earned his first India call-up in May 2026 for the ODI series against Afghanistan. He made his debut on June 17, 2026, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow as well.

“I was sleeping. We had a game against Rajasthan. I was taking a nap before the game. When I got up, I saw there were a lot of calls. Then I found out about it. I called my mom, and she started crying. Then, when I went home later, my mom told me that dad would scold her for spoiling me, and she told him look at him now,” he concluded.