5 Indian players to watch out for in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
The Indian team will kick off their title defence in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 starting January 18 in Malaysia.
A landmark event for Malaysia
As the reigning champions, India will look to replicate their success from the inaugural edition held in South Africa in 2023, where Shafali Verma led the team to glory. This time, the responsibility of steering the team lies with Niki Prasad, who recently captained India to victory in the inaugural Women’s U19 Asia Cup, also held in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia’s hosting of the tournament marks their first major cricket event since the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. The 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups for the initial stage. Across a 16-day period, teams will compete in a total of 41 matches, making it a packed schedule of exciting cricket.
India’s group and schedule
India are placed in Group A, alongside hosts Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur will serve as the venue for India’s group-stage matches. India will begin their campaign on January 19, facing the West Indies in what promises to be a exciting opening encounter for the defending champions. The Indian team will aim to start strong as they set their sights on retaining the trophy.
5 Indian players to watch out for in the U19 T20 Women’s World Cup 2025
1. Gongadi Trisha – The leading run-getter
Gongadi Trisha showcased her batting prowess in the U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, amassing 159 runs in 5 matches at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 120.45. Her two fifties, including a top score of 58 not out, highlighted her consistency as India’s batting mainstay. She smashed 20 boundaries and 5 sixes, proving her ability to dominate bowlers. Known for her aggressive yet calculated approach, she provides stability at the top order. Heading into the U19 T20 World Cup 2025, India will heavily rely on her experience and ability to handle pressure in crunch situations. Trisha’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes her a key player in Malaysia.
2. G. Kamalini – The reliable wicketkeeper-batter
As a wicketkeeper-batter, G. Kamalini’s contributed crucial runs for India in the Asia Cup, scoring 85 runs at a strike rate of 114.86. Her unbeaten 44 not out against Pakistan U19 was a match-winning effort. Behind the stumps, she impressed with four dismissals, including two catches in the final against Bangladesh U19. Kamalini’s dual role as a batter and wicketkeeper adds significant value to the Indian lineup.
In the U19 T20 World Cup, she is expected to deliver under pressure and act as a dependable middle-order batter while ensuring sharpness in the field. Her ability to adapt to different match situations will be crucial for India’s campaign. Mumbai Indians (MI) also recently roped in 16-year-old Kamalini for a whopping amount of Rs 1.6 crore at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction in Bengaluru.
Also READ: India unveils squad for U19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024; Niki Prasad to lead
3. Aayushi Shukla – The strike bowler
Aayushi Shukla was India’s standout bowler in the Asia Cup, claiming 10 wickets in 5 matches at an exceptional average of 5.40 and an economy of 3.27. Her best performance, 4/10, came in a group-stage match, where she dismantled the opposition with disciplined bowling. Aayushi’s accuracy and ability to generate movement make her a constant threat with the new ball. As India prepares for the U19 T20 World Cup, her role as a strike bowler in both powerplays and death overs will be pivotal. If she maintains her form and fitness, Aayushi is likely to emerge as one of the tournament’s leading bowlers.
4. Parunika Sisodia – The all-round performer
Parunika Sisodia’s bowling brilliance in the Asia Cup was evident as she scalped 9 wickets in 5 matches, including a best of 4/12. Her economy rate of 4.22 reflects her ability to build pressure on batters. Though primarily a bowler, Sisodia’s potential with the bat adds depth to the lineup. She thrives under pressure, as demonstrated by her calmness in key moments during the Asia Cup. In the U19 T20 World Cup, India will count on her to deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs and provide handy contributions with the bat. Her versatility makes her an asset to the team.
5. Sonam Yadav – The impact spinner
Despite playing only three matches in the Asia Cup, Sonam Yadav made a lasting impression with her 8 wickets at an astonishing average of 3.12 and an economy of just 2.08. Her 4/6 against Nepal U19 was a masterclass in spin bowling, showcasing her ability to bamboozle batters with variations. Yadav’s knack for picking wickets in clusters makes her a match-winner in the shortest format. India will look to use her as a weapon on the spin-friendly tracks of Malaysia during the U19 T20 World Cup. Her control and ability to exploit conditions could make her a standout performer in the tournament.
Also READ: Australia announces captain and vice-captain for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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January 08, 2025 at 08:15AM
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