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Niki Prasad is set to captain the Indian team in the highly anticipated inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, kicking off with a clash against West Indies in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Malaysia set to host the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Malaysia’s hosting of the Women’s U19 T20WC will mark their first major cricketing event since the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. The tournament will see 16 teams compete across a 16-day period, with matches taking place in various venues throughout the country. The competition is divided into four groups during the initial stage, with each team playing a series of exciting fixtures. A total of 41 matches will be played, making it a packed and highly competitive schedule. This marks a significant milestone for Malaysia as they welcome cricketing nations from across Asia, providing a platform for young talent to shine on an international stage.
Niki Prasad to lead India in the second edition U19 World Cup
Her appointment comes after a series of impressive performances, including leading India B to triumph in the U19 tri-series in Pune. Prasad has established herself as a versatile cricketer, excelling as both a top-order batter and an effective off-spin bowler. As the reigning champions, India will look to build on their success from the inaugural edition held in South Africa in 2023, where Shafali Verma guided the team to victory. Now, the responsibility of steering the team forward falls on Prasad, who also captained India to victory in the Women’s U19 Asia Cup held in Kuala Lumpur earlier.
1. Early beginnings and inspiration
Niki Prasad was born on October 25, 2005, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. From an early age, she was drawn to cricket, inspired by the sport while watching her brother play. At just six years old, she began playing with a tennis ball in her neighborhood, which soon evolved into a passion for leather-ball cricket. Her early fascination was nurtured by her cousin, fueling her desire to take the sport seriously.
2. Supportive family and early training
Niki’s parents quickly recognized her potential and provided unwavering support in her cricketing journey. Her mother, in particular, was a constant presence at her matches and training sessions, often accompanying her to various clubs and academies across Bengaluru. This encouragement laid the foundation for Niki’s commitment to the sport, allowing her to pursue her passion alongside her education.
3. Joining just cricket academy
In 2018/19, Niki joined the renowned Just Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, including Vinayak Sir, she began refining her cricketing techniques. The academy provided her with access to structured training, fitness routines, and facilities to develop her skills in both batting and bowling.
4. Transition to hard ball cricket
Niki’s transition from tennis-ball cricket to leather-ball cricket marked a significant turning point in her career. Recognizing her dedication and natural talent, her coaches at Just Cricket Academy emphasized technical development and match-readiness, enabling her to face more competitive challenges.
5. Leadership qualities shine at a young age
From a young age, Niki showcased strong leadership qualities, often taking responsibility for leading her team during U16 and U19 matches. Her calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and ability to handle pressure made her stand out as a captain. In 2022, she led Karnataka in the Women’s Under-19 T20 Trophy pre-quarterfinal against Bengal, where she strategically deployed her premier bowlers early, leading her team to a remarkable victory despite scoring only 59 runs.
6. A major setback – U19 Women’s T20 World Cup exclusion
In 2022, Niki faced her first major setback when she wasn’t selected for the inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. This exclusion, based on concerns about her strike rate, fueled her determination to improve. She recognized the need to elevate her game, particularly her power-hitting, and underwent intensive training to refine her batting technique and enhance her strike rate.
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7. Turning setbacks into motivation
Rather than being discouraged, Niki used this setback as a stepping stone to work harder. She joined Bengaluru’s Just Cricket Academy and worked closely with her coach to focus on power-hitting, developing strong bat speed, timing, and technique. She also adjusted her diet, eliminating junk food to improve her physical fitness.
8. Breakthrough performance in 2024 T20 Challenger Trophy
The dedication paid off during the 2024 T20 Challenger Trophy, where Niki emerged as the top scorer. She accumulated 162 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 125.58, showcasing her ability to clear the boundaries and play aggressive cricket effectively. Her performance helped Karnataka reach the finals and displayed her transition into a power-hitter, a crucial asset in modern T20 cricket.
9. Captaining India A to victory
Niki’s leadership reached new heights during the 2024 Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup in Malaysia, where she captained India A. Her strategic brilliance was on full display as India dominated the group stages, chasing down totals comfortably. In the final against Bangladesh, her smart use of bowlers and tactical decisions led India to a comprehensive 41-run victory, reinforcing her skills as both a captain and a player.
10. Signing with Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2025
In late 2024, Niki’s impressive performances earned her a well-deserved contract with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. She looks forward to learning from cricketing legends like Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp and Jemimah Rodrigues. This signing is a significant milestone in her career, opening the door to more exposure and high-level competition.
11. Admirers and mentors – Rahul Dravid, Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur
Niki is deeply inspired by Rahul Dravid, whose technique, discipline, and values she seeks to emulate. As she progressed in her cricket journey, she also developed a keen admiration for Mithali Raj, whose leadership and perseverance in women’s cricket motivated Niki to strive for greatness. Her batting style reflects a blend of Dravid’s technical precision and Raj’s tactical approach to the game.
Niki also idolizes Harmanpreet Kaur, mirroring her calm and calculated captaincy. Harmanpreet’s composure under pressure and ability to lead with fairness has deeply inspired Niki. She admires Kaur’s leadership philosophy, which focuses on keeping the team composed even in tense situations. Niki’s own leadership style is heavily influenced by Harmanpreet’s approach-valuing discipline, fostering unity, and promoting fairness among teammates. As a leader, Niki strives to earn respect through her composure and fair decision-making, ensuring her team stays focused, no matter the circumstances.
