Prince Yadav Stuns Virat Kohli: LSG Pacer Uses Legend’s Advice to Secure Victory

A Night of Shocks at Ekana Stadium

The atmosphere at the Ekana Stadium on the night of May 7 was electric, with fans eagerly awaiting another masterclass from Virat Kohli as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 50 of the IPL 2026. However, the energy in the stadium shifted dramatically within moments as young pacer Prince Yadav produced a delivery that silenced the crowd, dismissing the Indian cricket legend for a rare duck.

This dismissal served as a pivotal moment in the contest, marking Kohli’s first IPL duck since 2023 and his first while chasing in nearly nine years. The historic weight of the moment was clear, as the last time Kohli had fallen for a duck in a chase was during the infamous 2017 clash against KKR, where RCB were bundled out for just 49. Ultimately, LSG clinched a nine-run victory in a rain-affected match, keeping their playoff aspirations very much alive.

The Tactical Trap: How Prince Yadav Outsmarted the Master

With rain interruptions forcing the match into a 19-over contest, RCB faced a revised DLS target of 213. When Virat Kohli walked to the crease, expectations were sky-high, but Prince Yadav had clearly prepared a specific game plan. The dismissal unfolded in the second over of the innings. Yadav began with a calculated outswinger, effectively testing the veteran’s patience and setting the stage for the trap.

On the subsequent delivery, Yadav unleashed a sharp inswinger. Expecting a repeat of the previous movement, Kohli moved forward to defend, only for the ball to jag back sharply through the gap between his bat and pad, crashing directly into the off-stump. It was a masterclass in bowling execution that effectively shifted the momentum firmly in Lucknow’s favor.

The Irony of the Advice

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the encounter was the revelation that followed the match. Prince Yadav disclosed that the very advice he used to dismiss Kohli was provided by the legend himself earlier in the tournament. According to Yadav, Kohli had advised him to maintain consistency in his line and length. “Virat bhaiya the last time we met told me to stick to the length and focus on the line, tonight I did that and thankfully got the wickets,” Yadav shared post-match. The young pacer explained that Kohli had specifically encouraged him to target the off-stump channel and trust his natural movement.

The irony was not lost on the Lucknow Super Giants’ social media team, who took a playful dig at the Indian legend for inadvertently contributing to his own downfall. Despite the competitive nature of the game, the sportsmanship was evident afterward, with Kohli seen chatting warmly with Yadav and LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun, seemingly offering appreciation for the high quality of the delivery.

The Broader Context of the Match

While the focus remained on the dismissal of Kohli, the match itself was a spectacle of power hitting. Mitchell Marsh was the standout performer for LSG, smashing a breathtaking 111 off 56 balls to anchor Lucknow to a formidable 209/3. Crucial partnerships with Nicholas Pooran, followed by a quick-fire unbeaten 32 off just 10 balls from Rishabh Pant, ensured LSG set a daunting target.

RCB attempted a valiant comeback, led by captain Rajat Patidar, who contributed a fighting 61 off 31 balls. However, despite his efforts, the visitors could only manage 203/6, falling just nine runs short of the revised target. Prince Yadav finished the match with impressive figures of 3/33, while Shahbaz Ahmed provided crucial support with two wickets.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, RCB maintains a solid position in the IPL 2026 points table. As the defending champions, they currently sit in third place with 12 points from 10 matches, consisting of six wins and four defeats. Looking toward the future, Rajat Patidar and his team are set to face the Mumbai Indians on May 10, a match that will be critical for their momentum as they look to secure a deeper run in the playoffs.