Fast bowler Prince Yadav achieved a major milestone in his cricket career after making his international debut for India in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow on Wednesday. The Delhi pacer was handed his maiden India cap as the hosts made changes to their playing XI for the match.

Yadav’s selection marked the latest chapter in a journey that has included both setbacks and redemption. He came into the side after India reshuffled their lineup, with Nitish Kumar Reddy unavailable due to injury.

Long road to international cricket

The 24-year-old fast bowler rose through the ranks after establishing himself in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants, Yadav emerged as one of the team’s notable performers during the 2026 IPL season, picking up 16 wickets in 14 matches.

He also grabbed headlines earlier this year when he dismissed Virat Kohli during an IPL match, a moment that significantly boosted his profile among cricket fans.

BCCI suspension and comeback

Yadav’s path to the national team was far from straightforward. In 2019, the BCCI imposed a two-year suspension on the pacer after he was found guilty of age-fudging in Under-19 cricket. According to reports, a discrepancy was found between documents submitted to the cricket board and records maintained by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The suspension kept him out of domestic cricket for two seasons. During that period, Yadav reportedly focused on improving his fitness and preparing for a return to competitive cricket.

His performances after returning helped him rebuild his career, eventually earning opportunities in domestic cricket, the IPL and now the Indian national team.

The debut against Afghanistan represents a significant turnaround for the Delhi fast bowler, who has gone from serving a suspension to representing India on the international stage.

India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has weighed in on the controversy involving young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following India A’s dramatic Super Over defeat to Sri Lanka A in the ongoing Tri-Nation Series.

The incident occurred after the match in Dambulla, where tempers flared between Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka A cricketer Vishen Halambage. Reports indicated that comments were directed at the Indian batters as they headed back towards the dressing room after the game, leading to a heated exchange.

Video footage from the aftermath showed Sooryavanshi confronting Halambage before the two players briefly came into physical contact. Other Sri Lanka A players intervened and prevented the situation from escalating further.

Speaking about the matter, Bahutule described the episode as unfortunate and stressed that such situations can be avoided with greater discipline on the field. He expressed confidence that coaching staff from both teams would ensure similar incidents do not recur.

The coach also suggested that players on both sides should be educated about appropriate conduct during high-pressure matches, highlighting the importance of maintaining respect and sportsmanship even in intense competitive situations.

The altercation has sparked debate among cricket followers, with differing opinions emerging over the actions of the players involved. The incident came at the end of a tense contest that saw Sri Lanka A defeat India A in a Super Over after a closely fought encounter.

The young Sooryavanshi, regarded as one of India’s most promising batting talents, has attracted significant attention in recent months. However, the focus after the Dambulla match shifted from cricketing performances to player behaviour, prompting reactions from officials and coaches.

With the tournament continuing, attention is expected to return to on-field performances as both teams look ahead to their remaining fixtures.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.