The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made headlines during the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by handing debut caps to two promising young bowlers, Prince Yadav and Digvesh Rathi. This significant event occurred in their season opener against the Delhi Capitals on March 24, 2025, at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, where LSG faced injury challenges within their squad.
Among the pair, 23-year-old Prince Yadav is noted for his impressive performance during the 2024 season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where his remarkable abilities helped him earn a place on the IPL team. Representing Purani Delhi 6, Yadav emerged as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in that league, capturing 13 wickets across 10 matches. His success didn’t stop there; he also proved his worth in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, finishing as the highest wicket-taker for the 2024-25 season, with 11 wickets at an average of 22.
Having been a net bowler for LSG in 2023, Yadav’s journey is a testament to the franchise's commitment to nurturing young talent. He was eyed by LSG and picked up for INR 30 lakh during the IPL auction in 2025. His enthusiasm about joining the league is palpable, as he stated, “It’s a dream come true to play in the IPL. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to LSG’s success.”
On the other hand, Digvesh Rathi, a mystery spinner, also joined Yadav as a debutant. Rathi distinguished himself in the inaugural DPL season, where he was among the top five wicket-takers, claiming 14 wickets, with a substantial portion derived from his signature googly delivery. His skills and performance have impressed many, leading to expectations that he may become a crucial contributor to LSG's bowling attack.
As a spin bowler, Rathi brings a different dimension, making use of his ability to confound batters with tricky deliveries, an asset that has parallels to established players like Varun Chakaravarthy, who he admires. Rathi shared insights into his craft, mentioning, “Whichever mystery bowler is there, I find them good.”
Given the injury chaos within the LSG camp, the introduction of these young bowlers comes as a strategic move as the team gears up for a challenging season. Both Yadav and Rathi certainly have their work cut out as they step onto the grand stage of the IPL. Yadav's dual capability as a pace bowler and Rathi's unique spin will be pivotal as they look to carve their niches in this competitive environment.
The future appears bright for these young talents, who could emerge as indispensable players for the LSG franchise, contingent upon their performances in the ongoing tournament. With the enduring spirit of cricket and youth taking center stage, the IPL will keep fans enthralled as these budding stars display their skills in front of a global audience. All eyes will undoubtedly be on both Yadav and Rathi as they attempt to make a mark in the elite league, proving that the Lucknow Super Giants are investing wisely in the future of Indian cricket.
