Niki Prasad: The accidental jersey No. 19 story - How a mistake became her lucky charm

The talented Niki Prasad is currently leading India Women U-19 team at the 2025 edition of the Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup. The Karnataka-born batting all-rounder led the side at the recently concluded Under-19 Women's T20 Asia Cup as well.

In a recent discussion, the young Skipper revealed how former Indian legend, Rahul Dravid, was an "inspiration" and "idol" for her. While recounting the matches she would play against Dravid's son, Samit, she also likened his tranquil personality to that of hers. Interestingly, Prasad also revealed that she used to play against Dravid's son's team as well.

“Rahul Dravid has been an inspiration and an idol for me. Growing up, I have looked up to him because when I started playing, there were not many women’s cricketers who were available online. I am from Karnataka and he is from Karnataka. So, I used to just watch his batting videos, watch his shots and all of that,” shared Niki in a video uploaded on ICC’s social media platforms.

“There were a lot of instances where we used to play against his son’s team. So, he used to come to the ground and watch all of us play and that’s when I used to be really excited to play the match. And he still inspires me because he’s very humble, he’s very calm. And that’s my nature,” Prasad added.

Check out Niki Prasad's viral interview by ICC here:

I realised that was my idol’s jersey number, and then I was still happy with it: Niki

Furthermore, Niki Prasad went on to narrate an intriguing tale of her rationale behind picking her jersey number (19). The teenager revealed that she was an ardent fan of the former South Africa legend, AB de Villiers. Hence, she went about picking her jersey number due to Mr 360. However, with Rahul Dravid being her constant idol, as a matter of coincidence, she ended up picking Dravid's jersey number 19.

Also Read: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025: Perrin propels England to back-to-back wins

“When we started playing these corporate games, they asked us for a jersey number and during that time, there was this IPL which was happening, and I used to watch a lot of AB de Villiers batting, and I wanted his jersey number. We had to give a jersey number and I gave 19 thinking that was his jersey number. But later on, I realised that was my idol’s jersey number, and then I was still happy with it. And that’s my jersey number, 19,” she concluded.

At present, India Women U-19 are on top of Group A with nine and 10-wicket wins in their first two group-stage games, respectively. They will be facing Sri Lanka Women U-19, on Thursday, January 23.