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Lucknow: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Prince Yadav said dismissing Virat Kohli for a duck was a memorable moment, but insisted that his team’s thrilling victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mattered far more than any individual achievement.

LSG secured a nervy nine-run win in a rain-affected IPL 2026 clash, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive despite remaining at the bottom of the points table.

‘Team win matters more than personal milestone’

Prince, who removed Kohli early in RCB’s chase, described the wicket as special but emphasised that the outcome of the match brought him greater satisfaction.

“I felt good after the wicket, but my greatest joy is that we won the match. If I had taken the wicket and we had lost, it wouldn’t have been that significant,” Prince said after the game.

The young pacer added that contributing to the team’s success is always his top priority, underlining a team-first approach despite achieving a high-profile dismissal.

Early breakthrough sets the tone

Prince’s dismissal of Kohli came at a crucial stage, reducing RCB to early trouble in their chase. The breakthrough proved vital in shifting momentum towards LSG, who were defending a challenging total in a shortened 19-over contest.

RCB, however, staged a strong comeback through a 95-run partnership between Devdutt Padikkal (34) and skipper Rajat Patidar (61), keeping the chase alive deep into the innings.

Despite late fireworks from Tim David (40), Krunal Pandya (28 not out), and Romario Shepherd (23 not out), RCB ultimately fell short, finishing nine runs behind the target.

Learning from seniors boosts confidence

Prince also highlighted the positive impact of working closely with experienced figures in the LSG camp, particularly bowling coach Bharat Arun and senior pacer Mohammed Shami.

“I have continuous conversations with Bharat sir, and Mohammed Shami is also there. We are having good discussions and focusing on what to deliver,” he said.

The youngster credited Shami for helping him understand the nuances of bowling with the new ball and for boosting the confidence of emerging bowlers during matches.

“Having someone like Shami standing at mid-on or mid-off gives you a different level of confidence. His experience really helps young bowlers,” Prince added.

Marsh’s century anchors LSG innings

Earlier in the match, Mitchell Marsh produced a sensational knock, scoring 111 off 56 balls with nine fours and nine sixes to power LSG to 209 for 3.

The innings, played across multiple rain interruptions, provided the foundation for LSG’s competitive total. Marsh’s aggressive approach ensured that the team maintained momentum despite disruptions.

LSG stay alive despite struggles

The victory marked only LSG’s third win of the season, alongside seven losses, keeping them at the bottom of the standings. However, the crucial two points have kept their playoff hopes mathematically alive.

For RCB, the defeat was their fourth of the campaign, causing them to slip to third place in the points table. Despite the setback, they remain strong contenders for a playoff berth.

Conclusion

Prince Yadav’s performance reflects the growing maturity of young players in the IPL, where individual brilliance is often overshadowed by the importance of team success. While dismissing a player of Virat Kohli’s stature is a significant achievement, Prince’s focus on the bigger picture highlights a disciplined and grounded mindset.

As the tournament progresses, LSG will look to build on this momentum, while RCB aim to bounce back quickly in the race to the playoffs.