Niki Prasad

Niki Prasad is a phenomenal young all-rounder from Karnataka who has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of age-group cricket in India. Born on October 24, 2005, she was a child prodigy who made her Under-16 debut at just nine years old and turned professional at thirteen. Her 2025 season was defined by historic leadership, as she captained the India Under-19 team to victory in both the inaugural Women's U19 Asia Cup and the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia. A right-handed middle-order batter and off-break bowler, she first gained national fame at age fifteen after hitting elite spinner Deepti Sharma for several sixes in a Bengaluru club match. Her transition to senior cricket has been equally impressive, as she recently led the senior Karnataka domestic side and represented South Zone in the 2025 Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy.

In the franchise world, Prasad has become a prized asset for the Delhi Capitals, who rewarded her high-pressure performances by retaining her for the 2026 Women's Premier League season. During her debut WPL campaign in 2025, she showcased remarkable composure for a teenager, scoring a vital 35 against Mumbai Indians and a fighting 25* in the tournament final. Her ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate, combined with her sharp off-spin, makes her one of the most versatile uncapped players in the league. Beyond her technical skills, she is highly regarded for her tactical maturity and 'cool head' during run chases, earning her a spot as a regular in the Capitals' middle order. As she enters the 2026 season under the leadership of new captain Jemimah Rodrigues, Prasad is widely viewed as a future mainstay for the senior Indian national team.