WPL 2025: Embrace Your Path, Maintain Focus, and Stay Humble – The Niki Prasad Philosophy
Click to start listening
Synopsis
February 2025 was a pivotal month for Niki Prasad, who led India to win the U19 Women's T20 World Cup and made a notable WPL debut, showcasing her talent and humility.
Key Takeaways
- Niki Prasad emphasizes the importance of staying humble and focused in cricket and life.
- She led India to victory in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Her debut in the WPL was marked by a crucial innings for Delhi Capitals.
- Support from family, especially her mother, plays a key role in her success.
- Maintaining clarity of roles among team members is essential for success.
New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) For Niki Prasad, February 2025 marked a significant chapter in her career. She led India to triumph in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur, and soon after, made her debut in the Women’s Premier League in Vadodara, scoring a crucial 35 runs for the Delhi Capitals against the Mumbai Indians.
Despite the overwhelming acclaim and surge in her fame, Niki, at just 19, remains exceptionally grounded. “I don’t believe in forcing humility; it has always been an intrinsic part of me. For me, life is about maintaining simplicity regardless of successes or setbacks. Just focus on your journey and remain humble – that’s been my mantra,” she expressed.
“I feel a great sense of pride and joy regarding the recent developments in my life. Winning the U19 World Cup for the second time is truly gratifying. Furthermore, I am thankful for the opportunity to showcase my skills with DC in the WPL. I aim to enjoy my time on the field and express myself freely,” said Niki, who is now the latest brand ambassador for PUMA, during an exclusive interview with IANS.
Niki's debut at Kotambi Stadium presented her with a daunting challenge: chasing down 89 runs in 65 balls, with the top four batsmen already out. When she came to bat, she steadied the innings, forming partnerships of 33 and 31 runs with Alice Capsey and Sarah Bryce. Niki proved her mettle under pressure, scoring 35 runs from 32 balls before being dismissed just before her team reached their target.
“I was genuinely thrilled to be playing that day and making my debut for DC. It was a dream come true to play in the WPL and contribute to my team’s victory. I just wanted to stay composed and focused on my role,” she reflected.
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Niki was congratulated by Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of MI and the Indian team. “After the match, I met Harman di, and she congratulated me on winning the U19 World Cup and complimented my calmness during the innings. Hearing that from her was really special,” Niki shared.
With a serene and confident demeanor, Niki attributes her calmness to her mother. “She’s always been a composed person, and I believe I inherited that trait. She has instilled in me the importance of humility, especially on the field. I understand that as a leader, I must remain calm and set an example for my team,” she explained.
A recent photo of Niki with her mother at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru after a DC match evoked fond childhood memories for the right-handed batter.
“It brings back memories of my childhood when I used to play matches, and my mom would always be there supporting me. It felt incredibly special to have her in the stands watching me play,” she reminisced.
“Having someone who knows your journey, including the struggles and triumphs, cheering for you is a wonderful feeling,” she added.
The significant lifestyle changes Niki made after not being selected for the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup are well-known. Her efforts culminated in her becoming the second Indian captain to lift the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.
Niki emphasized that the India U19 team’s success was due to each player understanding their roles in a relaxed and supportive environment. “One reason I was able to manage the bowling rotation smoothly is that everyone was clear about their objectives. The support staff played a vital role in this clarity,” she noted.
“They knew their responsibilities, making my job on the field much easier, allowing us to dominate throughout the tournament,” she said.
Within the glamorous world of DC, Niki has learned the significance of humility and the importance of separating personal and professional lives through interactions with international players and cricket legends.
“One thing I’ve observed is their genuine humility. For them, cricket and life outside the field are distinct. On the field, there’s aggression, but off the field, they are the kindest individuals. That’s a quality to aspire to,” she stated.
“When you’re playing, your focus is on the game, but off the field, you should be at ease and authentic. That’s the comfort I’ve experienced from everyone at DC,” she said.
“Engaging in conversations with anyone is enjoyable due to the positive energy they bring. Everyone here values humility,” she added.
Niki and MI’s Amelia Kerr are currently tied for the most catches in WPL 2025, each with five. Her fielding philosophy is rooted in happiness, as highlighted by her impressive catch to dismiss Kashvee Gautam this week.
“Fielding has always brought me joy, and I love it. Even when I’m not batting or bowling, I find happiness in fielding, which reflects in my performance,” she explained.
Outside of cricket, Niki expressed her relief at not yet facing the pressure of examinations while pursuing a BBA in sports management at PES University in Bengaluru. “Balancing cricket and studies has been challenging. However, my parents have been supportive, especially my mom, who encouraged me to focus on cricket for now,” she said.
“I’m committed to completing my education eventually because I aspire to earn a degree alongside playing at a higher level in cricket,” she added.
Niki’s unwavering pursuit of both her education and cricket reflects the quiet confidence and humility that characterize her approach to life and all her remarkable achievements in February 2025.
