Fulfilled a dream by winning the U-19 World Cup for India: Niki Prasad [Exclusive]

Niki Prasad is currently plying her trade in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025. She is representing Delhi Capitals Women in the five-team competition. Prasad is one of the most talented young cricketers in India at the moment.

She led the Indian team to the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year. During a recent and an exclusive interview with CricTracker on the sidelines of the WPL, the 19-year-old shared her experiences of helping her team retain the coveted title. She also revealed what Shafali Verma told her before the global event. Prasad said that young cricketers should try to stay humble and work hard every day to achieve their goals

Excerpts

What was your experience of winning the Women's Under-19 World Cup for India?

I think, firstly, playing for the Indian Under-19 was a big thing for me. And I feel like this is one dream which I've achieved in life, and also being part of such a great team and leading that team feels very nice. And also, winning the World Cup for the second time. The first time was very special. And winning the World Cup for the second time feels extra special.

What calls have you received, and what has been the whole experience like?

It wasn't before the finals, but before the tournament, I did talk to Shafali Verma. And she told to just go have fun and just express yourself. So that was one advice which was given from one senior player.

What was the toughest moment as a captain? Did you feel like, "Okay, this is tough"?

I think there's nothing called tough when you're leading the India Under-19 team. For me, it's just going out there and expressing what I can do and just making sure that my team wins. So each and every game, you have a lot of other challenges, very different challenges. So you just need to do really well on that particular day. And for me, it's to make sure that my team wins.

If asked to share a message for young, budding women cricketers coming into the circuit, what would you like to tell them? Also, how do you want to help them achieve success in their careers?

I think the main thing for the young cricketers out there would be to stay humble. And every day when you get up, you need to have this one mindset that you need to work hard. And you need to give your 100%.

So let's talk about Puma India. They signed you even before you won the World Cup. Tell us the experience and how do you feel, what big initiative Puma has taken for the women's cricket in India? 

I think to be associated with the Puma family, I feel really happy being associated with them. And just at the age of 19, I'm getting to be closely working with Puma. I'm really grateful for this opportunity. And Puma really takes care of their athletes. And I've seen a lot of athletes. They've been supporting a lot of athletes. And also, the women's cricket. And I think I like one line where Puma says that cricket is everyone's game. So I feel really happy being associated with them. And they have put a great opportunity for me.

Prasad has played four matches for Delhi Capitals Women this season of the cash-rich tournament. She scored a 33-ball 35 against Mumbai Indians in the first game and helped her team eke out a two-wicket win. In the game against UP Warriorz, the youngster scored 18 off just 10 balls, albeit in a losing cause.