The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has already given us unforgettable moments, but one name that stands out is Niki Prasad. The 19-year-old all-rounder from Karnataka made her WPL debut for Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) on February 15, 2025, and delivered a performance that left fans and experts in awe. Not only did she play a pivotal role in DC’s thrilling last-ball victory, but she also walked away with the Player of the Match (POTM) award.
So, who is Niki Prasad, and what makes her such a special talent? Let’s dive into her journey, her debut performance, and why she’s being hailed as the future of Indian cricket.
Who Is Niki Prasad?
Niki Prasad is a young, dynamic all-rounder who has been making waves in Indian cricket. Born on October 25, 2005, in Karnataka, Niki started her cricketing journey at the age of nine. By 13, she was already playing professionally, and her talent quickly caught the attention of selectors.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Niki’s rise to prominence began in domestic cricket, where she represented Karnataka at various age-group levels. She led Team C to victory in the 2024 U-19 Women’s Challenger T20, topping the run-scoring charts and showcasing her leadership skills. Her ability to perform under pressure earned her a spot in the Indian U-19 team, where she captained the side to a historic victory in the 2025 U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
WPL Debut
Niki’s stellar performances in domestic and international cricket earned her a contract with Delhi Capitals for WPL 2025. Her debut match against Mumbai Indians was a testament to her talent and composure under pressure.
The Debut Match: A Star Is Born
The second match of WPL 2025 between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians was a nail-biting thriller that went down to the last ball. Niki Prasad, playing her first WPL game, was instrumental in DC’s two-wicket victory.
The Chase
Chasing a target of 165, Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start thanks to Shafali Verma’s blistering 43 off 18 balls. However, a middle-order collapse left DC struggling at 109/5 in 14.5 overs. This is when Niki Prasad stepped up.
She played a composed innings of 35 off 33 balls, anchoring the chase and keeping DC in the hunt. Her partnership with Sarah Bryce (21 off 12 balls) brought the equation down to 21 runs needed off the last 12 balls. Niki’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at crucial moments was key to DC’s success.
The Final Over Drama
With 10 runs needed off the last over, Niki hit a boundary off the first ball, bringing the equation down to 6 off 5 balls. However, she was dismissed on the penultimate ball, leaving DC needing 2 runs off the final delivery. Arundhati Reddy and Radha Yadav held their nerve to complete a risky double and seal the win for DC.
Player of the Match
Niki’s all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Her ability to handle pressure and deliver in a high-stakes game showcased her maturity and talent.
What Makes Niki Prasad Special?
1. Composure Under Pressure
At just 19, Niki displayed remarkable composure during her debut match. Her ability to stay calm and focused in a tense chase is a rare quality, especially for a young player.
2. All-Round Skills
Niki is a genuine all-rounder, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Her off-spin bowling adds depth to DC’s attack, making her a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
3. Leadership Qualities
Niki’s leadership skills were evident during the U-19 World Cup, where she led India to victory. Her ability to inspire and motivate her teammates is a testament to her character and cricketing acumen.
The Road Ahead for Niki Prasad
Niki’s debut performance has set the stage for what promises to be a stellar career. Here’s what the future holds for this rising star:
- Consistency: Niki needs to build on her debut performance and deliver consistently throughout the tournament.
- International Call-Up: If she continues to shine, a call-up to the Indian women’s cricket team could be on the cards.
- Role Model: Niki’s journey is an inspiration for young cricketers, especially girls, who dream of making it big.
What Experts Are Saying
Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning praised Niki’s performance, saying, “She showed great temperament under pressure and played a crucial role in our victory.” Former cricketers and analysts have also lauded her composure and game awareness, drawing comparisons with some of the greats of the game.
Niki Prasad’s debut performance in WPL 2025 is a glimpse of her immense potential. At just 19, she has already shown that she belongs on the big stage. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this young all-rounder to see if she can continue her stellar form.
For Delhi Capitals, Niki’s rise is a blessing. For Indian cricket, she represents the future. And for fans, she is a reminder that sometimes, the most exciting stories are the ones that unfold quietly, one boundary at a time.
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