Niki Prasad has etched her name in Indian cricket history by leading the Under-19 team to a commanding championship victory in Kuala Lumpur.
The 19-year-old all-rounder steered India U19 to an unbeaten streak since the inaugural U19 Asia Cup late last year in Malaysia, culminating in a historic triumph against South Africa in the final. While her individual performances may not have met her own high standards, her leadership and determination propelled her into the limelight, securing her a coveted spot in the Delhi Capitals squad for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025.
The Karnataka cricketer, acquired at her base price of 10 Lakhs, now stands at the threshold of a promising career, ready to embrace new challenges on an even grander stage. As preparations for the WPL gain momentum, cricketers have gathered under one roof to commence their training sessions. In an exclusive conversation with Female Cricket, Niki Prasad delved into her journey, the setbacks she overcame, and the road ahead. Special mentions to Nisarg Naik, one of India’s youngest talent scout in the cricket circuit for facilitating this interview with Niki Prasad.
Celebrating Success: The Emotions After the U-19 World Cup Victory
When asked about the past few days following India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph, Niki shared her emotions. She expressed, “I think the last three or four days have been very special for me because, after winning the World Cup, the celebrations that followed were truly memorable. Then, coming home to my family was special, and immediately after that, arriving at Delhi Capitals (DC) and receiving such a sweet and special welcome made these past few days even more special.”
Overcoming the 2023 World Cup Snub
Reflecting on the period when she was not selected for the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, Niki admitted to the initial heartbreak. She revealed, “I think I was obviously disappointed about not being selected because it was the first-ever Under-19 Women’s World Cup, and everyone had expectations. But after a few days, I realized that if you want to play at that level and represent India, you really need to be really good. The next two years were all about hard work and a lot of changes in my habits, skills, and overall game. There were many ups and downs, failures, and improvements, but that journey led me to this moment—where I got to lead the team, and we won the Under-19 World Cup for the second time. Then, coming to DC was another big step.”
A Dream Realized: The Thrill of the WPL Auction
Recalling the day of the WPL auction, Niki described it as an unforgettable experience. She said, “Personally, that day was also my first game for India Under-19 in the Asia Cup, and we played against Pakistan. We won that match, so I was already happy about the victory. But after the game, I was also a bit nervous because, before that, there were talks that I was performing well and that maybe some team would pick me… I wasn’t picked in the first round but said, ‘Let’s see.’ At that moment, I just thought that if it didn’t happen in the first round, there’s nothing I can do except keep working hard. Then, when the accelerated auction started, I knew my auction number. When my number came up, DC picked me. After that, there were celebrations—my friends, teammates, and everyone congratulated me. Three more players from our squad were also selected for the WPL, so overall, the coaches and everyone were very happy for us. It was a very happy and special moment.”
A Mother’s Joy: Family’s Reaction to WPL Selection
Discussing her family’s reaction to her WPL selection, Niki spoke about her mother’s overwhelming happiness. She shared, “I think my mom was extremely happy, especially because I was selected for Delhi Capitals, which is her favorite team. DC has so many great players and such a strong squad in the WPL, so she was really happy. That day, I couldn’t talk much with my mom, but the next day, I had to put those celebrations aside and focus again because we were playing for India.”
The Making of a Leader: The Evolution of Her Captaincy Skills
When questioned about the calmness and leadership she displays on the field, Niki acknowledged her mother’s influence, and the lessons learned from various leadership opportunities. She explained, “I think my calmness comes from my mom, but I didn’t realize it would reflect on the field as well. My leadership journey began in a club tournament where I was given a team that wasn’t very strong. Despite that, we reached the final. Later, in the Under-19 Karnataka camp, I performed well and was given the captaincy. From there, I learned to manage different players and situations. Over the years, I captained several teams, won the Under-19 state championship, and kept improving.”
Admiration for Rahul Dravid
Growing up in Bangalore, Niki Prasad was constantly surrounded by Rahul Dravid’s legacy—his name and images were everywhere, with a huge board featuring his batting image at the Karnataka State Cricket Association. However, it was seeing him in person that truly left a lasting impression.
Recalling the moment, she shared, “During tournaments, his son played for a club, and Rahul Dravid would come to watch. Seeing him in person and watching his discipline and composure inspired me.” Witnessing his quiet presence and unwavering focus reinforced her admiration, motivating her to imbibe the same qualities in her own cricketing journey.
Niki Prasad’s jersey number holds a story of admiration and an unexpected twist. She shared, “I used to watch AB de Villiers a lot and always wanted to have his jersey number. I didn’t want to go with something basic like my birth date, so I picked 19, believing it was his. When I finally got the jersey, I realized that 19 was never AB de Villiers’ number. After looking it up, I found out it actually belonged to Rahul Dravid sir, which still made me happy in the end.” What began as a tribute to one cricketing idol unknowingly led her to another, reinforcing her deep connection with the game.
Idols in the women’s game
Besides legend Mithali Raj, Niki Prasad has always looked up to Harmanpreet Kaur, admiring both her batting and leadership. She recalled, “I’ve always admired Harman di (Harmanpreet Kaur)—both her batting and her captaincy. One of the moments that made me a fan was her unforgettable knock in the World Cup, where she smashed 171 off 115 balls against Australia. It put her in the spotlight, and from there, she only grew as a player and a leader.”
Her admiration deepened during the inaugural WPL when she witnessed a more refined and composed side of Harmanpreet. “In the inaugural WPL, I saw a different side of her—calm, composed, and in complete control—as she led Mumbai Indians to the title. That was a refined, matured version of Harman di, and watching her captaincy in that tournament only deepened my admiration.”
With the WPL on the horizon, the excitement is palpable as Niki Prasad gears up for her debut season with Delhi Capitals. The journey from missing out on the 2023 Under-19 World Cup to lifting the trophy in 2025 and securing a WPL contract is a testament to her resilience and determination. Delhi Capitals will kick off their WPL campaign against Mumbai Indians on February 15 in Vadodara.
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