Niki Prasad to lead India Women in their U-19 T20 World Cup title defence

Karnataka's Niki Prasad, who first led India B to a tri-series win against South Africa and India A and the India U-19 Women to ACC U-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup title, was named captain of India’s squad for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, announced on December 24 (Tuesday). 

The tournament is set to be played in Malaysia from January 18, 2025, to February 02, 2025.

The team would include players who were part of the 2023 edition-winning India team. G Trisha, MD Shabnam, and Sonam Yadav are three players who were part of the squad that lifted the trophy in the inaugural edition of the tournament in South Africa in 2023.

India are in Group A in the 16-team tournament, which includes the hosts Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The Indian team will begin their campaign against the West Indies at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on January 19. 

All of their remaining group-stage games will also be played at the same venue. 

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 players: Nandhana S, Ira J, Anadi T