Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Prince Yadav could receive his maiden ODI call-up for India after impressive performances during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The senior selection committee is reportedly backing the young pacer for the upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan at home.
India will begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Team India could rest their first-choice fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, during the upcoming series to manage their workload and keep them fresh for future assignments.
LSG Pacer Prince Yadav Emerges as Surprise Contender for India ODI Call-Up
According to a report by PTI, Prince Yadav has become a strong candidate for his India debut in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. The young pacer could earn a place in the squad ahead of several experienced domestic bowlers.
Prince has been Lucknow Super Giants’ most successful Indian fast bowler during IPL 2026. He has taken 16 wickets at an average below 19 at an economy rate slightly above eight runs per over on batting-friendly pitches.
The selectors were especially impressed with his performance against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck and became the first bowler since Dhawal Kulkarni in 2016 to achieve that feat in the IPL. The pacer finished the match with three important wickets.
Prince picked up 18 wickets in eight Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Delhi earlier in the season. With Harshit Rana currently recovering from injury, the selectors could back Prince for his pace, hard lengths, and yorkers.
Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Be Rested for Afghanistan ODI Series After IPL 2026
Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the ODI series against Afghanistan after the IPL 2026 season. If Bumrah misses the series, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to lead India’s pace attack.
Rohit Sharma’s fitness has also become a major discussion point. The Indian captain recently dealt with a hamstring injury and played only as an Impact Player for the Mumbai Indians against Punjab Kings. The selectors are expected to pick him only if he is fully fit to handle the demands of 100-over cricket.
Hardik Pandya is also managing recurring back spasms, which has created uncertainty around his bowling workload for the upcoming series. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has remained in outstanding form throughout IPL 2026. The former India captain is fully expected to play all three ODIs.
India Eye Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3
The Afghanistan series will begin with a one-off Test match in Mullanpur on June 6. The match carries extra importance for India after the team’s recent struggles in Test cricket, especially on spin-friendly home pitches against strong bowling attacks.
India are still searching for a stable number three batter following Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit from the Test setup. Sai Sudharsan received opportunities in the role but could not produce consistent performances. The team management is expected to give Devdutt Padikkal a chance.
The selectors are also likely to discuss strong domestic performers while finalizing the Test squad. Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has emerged as a serious contender after leading his side to a historic Ranji Trophy title. The pacer impressed by taking 60 wickets during the red-ball season.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya under scanner as selectors begin 2027 World Cup planning
