Prince Yadav, a young cricketer from Dariyapur Khurd near Najafgarh, has emerged as an essential player for Delhi’s limited-overs teams. Raised in a small village known as the birthplace of cricket legend Virender Sehwag, Prince’s journey is a testament to his dedication and resilience.
Early Life and Cricket Beginnings
Until the age of 17, Prince had never played with a leather cricket ball. He initially played tennis-ball cricket in local fields, where he honed his skills. His journey began in the tight-knit community of his village, where he progressed to participate in regional tournaments. This early experience laid the foundation for his future in professional cricket.
Family Background and Education
Prince Yadav’s father, Ramniwas, a retired railway worker, preferred that his son focus on academics and secure a stable job like his sister, who is a government school teacher. However, Prince was drawn to cricket and spent his school time playing, often skipping classes to take part in matches.
Turning Points in His Career
- At age 17, he caught the attention of Lalit Yadav during a local tournament.
- He received guidance to join a cricket academy in Najafgarh, where he learned essential skills.
Initially, Prince was unfamiliar with leather-ball cricket, focusing primarily on bowling yorkers in tennis-ball matches. However, the transition opened up new avenues for his talent.
Domestic Achievements
Prince progressed quickly in the domestic circuit. Within a year, he secured a spot on Delhi’s Under-19 team, playing in prestigious tournaments such as the Cooch Behar Trophy and the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. In the 2019-20 season, he took 10 wickets in eight innings with an impressive economy rate of 3.79. Despite his potential, he faced setbacks, including a two-year ban from the BCCI for age fraud, which temporarily derailed his career.
Return to Cricket and IPL Aspirations
Post-ban, Prince returned to tennis-ball cricket before re-establishing himself in Delhi’s domestic leagues. His outstanding performance during the 2023 season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) turned heads, culminating in his purchase by LSG at the IPL auction.
Learning and Growth in IPL
In the IPL, Prince learned crucial skills and improved his bowling under the mentorship of cricket veterans. His experience in the league significantly enhanced his on-field awareness and technique.
Current Status and Recognition
Today, Prince Yadav is recognized as a promising talent in Indian cricket. He expresses pride in earning his father’s respect, mentioning how his father now feels honored when people recognize him as “Prince’s father.” Prince’s journey from a tennis-ball bowler to an IPL hopeful showcases his determination and passion for the sport.
- Key Statistics:
- In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, participated in one match.
- Contributed significantly in the Delhi Premier League with 13 wickets.
- Recognized in IPL 2025 with LSG, highlighting his development journey.
As he looks forward to what lies ahead in the IPL and beyond, Prince remains focused on continual improvement and achieving greater success.
