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Bengaluru: As an 18-year-old who didn’t make the cut for the national team for the inaugural U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, Niki Prasad wasn’t heartbroken. Instead, it served as a wake-up call on her shortcomings as a cricketer.
Two years later, the Karnataka all-rounder is all set to lead the Indian squad in the second edition of the competition, which will be held in Malaysia from Jan 18-Feb 2.
The national call-up comes less than two weeks after the 19-year-old led India to the title at the maiden Women’s U-19 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
“For over two years, I focused on the goals I had set for myself, followed routines, improved my skills, and worked on becoming a better athlete,” Niki told TOI.
On being picked to lead the Indian team, the Bengaluru cricketer said: “I’m short of words to express myself. I’m happy to be picked to play for the country and lead the side. As a team, we want to go out there and defend the title. We had a great campaign at the Asia Cup and were able to execute our plans. We’ll work towards doing the same at the World Cup.”
The middle-order bat, who is also a handy spinner, believes camaraderie in the team will hold them in good stead in the World Cup.
“We have been together in camps and competitions for over six months. As a result, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Also, we are all on the same page when it comes to setting goals,” pointed out Niki, who is pursuing a bachelor’s in business management at PES University.
Niki revealed she is inspired by Indian women’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. “I look up to Harman di. Her calmness as a player and leader motivates and inspires me.”
Niki Prasad will lead India at the U-19 World Cup.
In the team, Niki will be joined by state-mate Mithila Vinod.
“It feels great to have my best friend Mithila with me. We have played a lot of age-group cricket together and have now realised our dream of playing for the country,” said an excited Niki.
Thanking her coaches and support staff from Karnataka, Niki said: “I’ve got a lot of support from the Karnataka set-up. Mamtha Maben, who was the coach when I made my state debut, was very encouraging. Now, Karuna Jain keeps pushing me to do better and her constructive criticisms have helped me improve. Also, she has helped me learn how to cut out the outside noise.”
India, the defending champions, are placed in Group A alongside Malaysia, West Indies and Sri Lanka. India will open their campaign against West Indies.
Squad: Niki Prasad (Captain), Sanika Chalke (Vice-captain), G Trisha, Kamalini G (WK), Bhavika Ahire (WK), Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S. Standby: Nandhana S, Ira J, Anadi T.
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