Everything you need to know about Nika Prasad – India’s captain for the 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.

Niki Prasad he was made the captain of the Indian team at the much awaited inauguration U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025starting with a skirmish against West Indies on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia will host the 2024 T20 Women’s Under-19 World Cup

Malaysia’s hosting of the Women’s U19 T20WC will mark their first major cricket event since ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. The tournament will feature 16 teams competing over a period of 16 days, with matches taking place at various locations across the country. The competition is divided into four groups during the opening phase, with each team playing a series of exciting matches. A total of 41 games will be played, making the schedule packed and very competitive. This marks a significant milestone for Malaysia as they welcome cricketing nations from across Asia, providing a platform for young talent to shine on the international stage.

Niki Prasad will lead India in the second U19 World Cup

Her appointment comes after a string of impressive performances, including leading India B to triumph in the U19 tri-series in Pune. Prasad has established herself as an all-round cricketer, excelling as both a superb batsman 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 led 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 earlier in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Early beginnings and inspiration

Niki Prasad was born on 25 October 2005 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. She was attracted to cricket from a young age, inspired by the sport while watching her brother play. At just six years old, she started playing tennis in her neighborhood, which soon turned into a passion for leather ball cricket. Her early fascination was fueled by her cousin, fueling her desire to pursue the sport seriously.

2. A supportive family and early training

Niki’s parents were quick to recognize 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 Nika’s dedication to the sport, allowing her to pursue her passion alongside her education.

3. Joining cricket academy only

In the 2018/19 season. Niki joined the renowned Just Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Under the tutelage of experienced coaches, including Vinayaka Sir, she began perfecting her cricketing techniques. The academy gave her access to structured training, fitness routines and facilities to develop her batting and bowling skills.

4. Transition to hard ball cricket

Niki’s transition from tennis ball 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 in youth

Niki has shown strong leadership qualities from a young age, 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 to the pre-quarterfinal of the Women’s Under-19 T20 Trophy against Bengal, where she strategically deployed her opening bowlers early, leading her team to a remarkable victory despite scoring just 59 runs.

6. Big failure – exclusion from the U19 T20 Women’s World Cup

In 2022, Niki faced her first major setback when she was not selected for the inaugural Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. This exclusion, based on concerns about the strike rate, fueled her determination to improve. She recognized the need to improve her game, especially her power shots, and underwent intensive training to improve her hitting technique and increase her speed.

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7. Turning failure into motivation

Instead of getting discouraged, Niki used this failure as a springboard to work harder. She joined the Just Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and worked closely with her coach to focus on powerful shots, developing strong bat speed, timing and technique. She also adjusted her diet, cutting out junk food to improve her physical condition.

8. Breakthrough performance in 2024 T20 Challenger Trophy

The dedication paid off during the 2024 T20 Challenger Trophy, where Niki became the top scorer. She amassed 162 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 125.58, showing her ability to clear boundaries and play aggressive cricket effectively. Her performance helped Karnataka reach the final and showcased her transformation into a powerhouse batsman, a key asset in modern T20 cricket.

9. Captained India A to victory

Nika’s leadership reached new heights during the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup 2024 in Malaysia, where she captained India A. Her strategic brilliance came to the fore as India dominated the group stages, easily chasing down the total. In the final against Bangladeshher clever use of the bowler and tactical decisions led India to a comprehensive 41-run victory, strengthening her skills as both a captain and a player.

10. Signing with Delhi Capitals in WPL 2025

At the end of 2024, Niki won a well-deserved contract with her impressive performances Delhi Capitals (DC) in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. He is looking 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 greater exposure and competition at a high level.

11. Fans and Mentors – Rahul Dravid, Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur

Niki is deeply inspired Rahul Dravidwhose technique, discipline and values ​​he tries to imitate. As she progressed in her cricketing journey, she also developed a great admiration for Mithali Rajwhose 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 Kaurreflecting her calm and calculated captaincy. Harmanpreet’s composure under pressure and ability to lead with integrity 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 which values ​​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.

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.