Niki Prasad is making her India debut in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Friday. She led India to success in the Under-19 World Cup, and the all-rounder was given her cap by captain Smriti Mandhana ahead of the match.
With all the Indian players present, Mandhana was seen talking to Prasad before handing over the cap in a big moment for the Karnataka-based cricketer. She was hugged by Deepti Sharma and Anushka Sharma as the teammates celebrated her debut. She is likely to bat at No.3, giving the Women in Blue a chance to test her ability as a player.
It is an important step in her career after India’s magnificent display in the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup under his leadership. Earlier, she also led India to an inaugural Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup title in 2024. Her captaincy and performances were recognised by the selectors. She is one of the most promising players in Indian cricketing circles.
She represents Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and has shared the dressing room with some of the big names in international cricket.
Prasad played for India A against Australia A. In a T20 match in New Chandigarh, she amassed 54 off 31 balls after the team was put under pressure by the rivals. She posted an unbeaten 32 in the first one-day match, helping India A register a four-wicket win.
She took a five-wicket haul in the unofficial Test against Australia A and was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series, claiming nine wickets across formats in three games.
She has played 18 matches in WPL, scoring 153 runs at an average of 30.60 and a strike rate of 119.53.
Jemimah Rodrigues, who is out of the national side due to a hamstring injury, bats at No. 3 for India. If Niki Prasad performs well, she could put Jemimah under pressure.
Playing XIs for IND VS ZIM 1st T20I
India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana(c), Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud
Zimbabwe Women (Playing XI): Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Sharne Mayers, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Modester Mupachikwa(w), Josephine Nkomo(c), Olinder Chare, Tendai Makusha