Deepti Sharma lauds Niki Prasad's debut composure in India's T20I win vs Zimbabwe
Synopsis
Debutant Niki Prasad walked out under pressure in India's chase against Zimbabwe and batted as if she had done it dozens of times before — a composure so striking that the experienced Deepti Sharma said she had to remind herself it was the youngster's very first international appearance. India lead 1-0 with two games still to play.
Key Takeaways
India won the first T20I against Zimbabwe on 17 October 2026 , taking a 1-0 series lead.
Debutant Niki Prasad built a crucial partnership during a difficult chase, impressing with her composure.
Deepti Sharma said Prasad 'didn't seem at all like she was making her debut' at the post-match press conference.
The presence of Richa Ghosh in the batting order gave India additional confidence during the tough phase.
Deepti admitted personal disappointment at not finishing the match herself but backed India to improve in the next game.
The second T20I is scheduled for Sunday , with India needing one win to seal the series.
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma heaped praise on debutant Niki Prasad after the youngster played a composed knock to help India navigate a testing chase in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in New Delhi on 17 October 2026. Their partnership, along with the team's collective resolve, proved decisive in securing a 1-0 series lead for India in the three-match contest.
Niki Prasad's Debut Impression
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Deepti described Prasad's temperament as extraordinary for a first international appearance. The all-rounder said the debutant carried herself with the assurance of a seasoned campaigner, constructing a vital partnership precisely when the team needed it most.
'Niki played really well. Honestly, it didn't seem at all like she was making her debut. It felt like she had played quite a few matches in the past, for the country. This confidence from a youngster is remarkable — you're building a partnership when the team needs it, winning the match from a tough situation. I'm sure she'll take a lot of confidence from this match,' Deepti said.
Mindset in the Middle During the Tough Phase
Deepti offered a candid account of the mood during the difficult passage of play, noting that the knowledge of Richa Ghosh waiting in the wings provided additional reassurance. Rather than yielding to the pressure, the batters paused, assessed the situation, and mapped out a plan.
'To tell you the truth, the two of us were there, there was Richa (Ghosh) as well, batting behind us. It didn't feel like (a situation where) anything could happen. We took a bit of a pause at that moment, and thought about what to do next. It definitely wasn't (a panic situation), because if there's no pressure, how will you grow strong as a player, and as a team? These situations are necessary from time to time, and from there we took the team to a place from where we won the match,' she added.
Aggressive Brand, But Room to Learn
India's preferred template remains attacking cricket, but Deepti acknowledged that matches do not always follow the script. She stressed that absorbing lessons from difficult passages would sharpen the team's response in the remaining fixtures of the series.
'As a team, this is what we want. Of course, we want to play an aggressive brand of cricket, and that was in our mind. Occasionally, these things happen in a match. There is no god who gives you exactly what you want. But we always learn from our innings and our matches. I'm sure what happened today won't happen in the next match,' she said.
Deepti's Personal Regret
The all-rounder was candid about her own disappointment at failing to finish the contest. She revealed she had planned to consolidate the partnership first and then accelerate, but a small error cut short that plan.
'At that moment I felt bad for not finishing the match. I had thought I should build a partnership, take us close (to the target), and then finish, but I made a small mistake. I'm sure I won't repeat it, but it was just the thought that it would be good to finish the match as quickly as possible,' Deepti stated.
What's Next
The two sides return to action on Sunday for the second T20I, with India holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. A win would hand them an unassailable advantage, while Zimbabwe will look to level matters and set up a decisive third game.
Point of View
And a youngster who can hold her nerve in a pressure chase signals a healthier squad depth than the team has shown in recent cycles. Deepti's candour about her own missed finish is also notable: in an era of carefully managed post-match communication, an honest acknowledgment of individual error is both refreshing and sets a credible standard for the next generation watching. The real test for Prasad, however, comes in the next game when opposition coaches have footage to plan against her.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Niki Prasad perform on her debut against Zimbabwe?
Niki Prasad impressed on her international debut by building a key partnership with Deepti Sharma during a challenging chase in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. Her composure under pressure earned high praise from the senior all-rounder, who said it did not feel like a debut performance at all.
What did Deepti Sharma say about Niki Prasad after the first T20I?
Deepti Sharma said at the post-match press conference that Prasad played as if she were an experienced international cricketer, not a debutant. She added that Prasad's ability to construct a partnership in a difficult situation would give the youngster enormous confidence going forward.
What is the current series scoreline between India and Zimbabwe in the T20I series?
India lead the three-match T20I series 1-0 after winning the first game. The second T20I is scheduled for Sunday, and a win would give India an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Why did Deepti Sharma express regret after India's win?
Deepti said she was disappointed at not finishing the match herself, having planned to first consolidate the partnership and then accelerate to the target. She admitted to making a small mistake that cut short her innings but said she was confident of not repeating it.
How did India's batting unit handle the pressure during the chase?
According to Deepti, the team avoided panic by pausing to assess their options, with Richa Ghosh's presence in the dugout providing added confidence. The batters treated the difficult passage as a learning opportunity rather than a crisis, which Deepti said was essential for individual and team growth.
