Niki Prasad Reflects on the Joy of Captaining India to a Second U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Title
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New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Niki Prasad expressed that the moment of lifting the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup trophy for the second time as captain was an unparalleled experience that has intensified her desire to secure more championships for India in the years ahead.
The squad that triumphed in the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup was one of five champion teams honored by the BCCI during its recent annual awards ceremony held in New Delhi on Sunday. Each player and coach received distinguished medals from former athletes Sudha Shah and Shubhangi Kulkarni.
“That day was exceptionally special for us all. Every child aspires to represent India, and for me, it was an honor to lead the India U19 team. Lifting the trophy for the second time was truly a remarkable moment,” she shared.
“Reflecting on it now, it was undeniably a memorable occasion. The excitement of being among the legends here was exhilarating,” Niki remarked in a video shared by the BCCI on their ‘X’ account on Wednesday.
With India clinching the Women's ODI World Cup, Men's Champions Trophy, Men's U19 World Cup, and Men's T20 World Cup, Niki expressed immense pride at witnessing these achievements. “I take great pride in being Indian, and I am incredibly proud to represent my country,” she stated.
“It’s a joyous and unforgettable experience to not only share the U19 World Cup trophy with my teammates but also to witness both the women's and men's teams lifting their respective World Cups in the same year. As an Indian and a cricketer, it’s a proud moment for me, especially during this calendar year,” she added.
Niki acknowledged the BCCI's continued investment in youth cricket as a significant factor in this success. “The BCCI has played a crucial role in the development of the Indian cricket team and its future. Their vision and investment in youth are pivotal,” she noted.
“This support from the BCCI is bound to yield positive results. We’ve already witnessed success in both men's and women's cricket. We are set to continue our growth from this point onward,” she emphasized.
As Niki competes with Delhi Capitals in the WPL and Karnataka in domestic matches, she shared her aspiration to win more trophies as she transitions to the senior team. “For me, it’s not merely about representing India; it’s about continually lifting trophies for our nation. That is my ultimate aim for India. I believe we share a common goal of securing an ICC trophy,” she remarked.
She also mentioned her discussions with senior team captain Harmanpreet Kaur. “I think it would be fascinating to learn from them about their experiences following their victories in T20s and ODIs. I would love to ask how they felt during those moments,” Niki concluded.
Niki highlighted that the Center of Excellence (CoE) infrastructure provides a significant advantage for aspiring world-class players. “The facilities we have in Bangalore, such as the CoE, gym, and grounds, are among the finest globally,” she asserted.
“This is invaluable for all young players and current cricketers, enabling them to train and evolve continuously. This infrastructure plays a major role in the advancement of the Indian cricket team,” she stated.