5 Indian players to watch out for in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

The Indian team will begin its title defense in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 starting January 18 in Malaysia.

A historic event for Malaysia

As reigning champions, India will seek to replicate the success of the inaugural edition held in South Africa in 2023, where Shafali Verma led the team to glory. This time, the responsibility of leading the team falls to niki prasadwho recently captained India to victory in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 Asian Cupalso held in Kuala Lumpur.

Hosting the tournament in Malaysia marks its 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. Over a 16-day period, teams will compete in a total of 41 matches, making for a packed schedule of exciting cricket.

India group and schedule

India is placed in Group A, alongside hosts Malaysia. Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur will host India’s group stage matches. India will begin their campaign on January 19, taking on the West Indies in what promises to be an exciting opening match for the defending champions. The Indian team will try to start strong as their goal is to retain the trophy.

5 Indian players to watch for in the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025

1. Gongadi Trisha: The leader in getting runs

Trisha Gongadi showcased her batting prowess in the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup 2024, amassing 159 runs in 5 matches at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 120.45. His two fifties, including a top score of 58 not out, highlighted his consistency as a mainstay of India’s batting. He smashed 20 boundaries and 5 sixes, demonstrating his ability to dominate the bowlers. Known for her aggressive yet calculated approach, she provides stability at the highest level. Going into the U19 T20 World Cup 2025, India will rely heavily on their experience and ability to handle pressure in critical situations. Trisha’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when necessary makes her a key player in Malaysia.

2. G. Kamalini – The reliable wicketkeeper-batsman

As a keeper-batsman, G. Kamalini contributed crucial runs for India in the Asia Cup, scoring 85 runs at a strike rate of 114.86. His undefeated 44 is not against Pakistan The U19 made an effort to win the game. Behind the stumps, he impressed with four dismissals, including two catches in the final against Bangladesh U19. Kamalini’s dual role as a batsman and wicketkeeper adds significant value to the Indian lineup.

In the U19 T20 World Cup, she is expected to perform under pressure and act as a reliable middle-order batsman while ensuring sharpness in the field. His ability to adapt to different match situations will be crucial for India’s campaign. Mumbai Indians (MI) He also recently signed 16-year-old Kamalini for a whopping Rs 1.6 million in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction in bangalore.

Also READ: India presents its team for the U-19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024; Niki Prasad to lead

3. Aayushi Shukla – The Strike Bowler

Aayushi Shukla He was India’s most outstanding bowler in the Asia Cup, with 10 wickets in 5 matches at an exceptional average of 5.40 and economy of 3.27. His best performance, 4/10, came in a group stage match, where he dismantled his rivals 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 player in both powerplays and death plays will be crucial. If she maintains her form and fitness, Aayushi is likely to emerge as one of the top players in the tournament.

4. Parunika Sisodia: the all-round performer

Parunika SisodiaThe bowling brilliance in the Asia Cup was evident as he took 9 wickets in 5 matches, including a best of 4/12. His economy rate of 4.22 reflects his ability to put pressure on batsmen. Although primarily a bowler, Sisodia’s potential with the bat adds depth to the lineup. He thrives under pressure, as evidenced by his calmness at key moments in the Asia Cup. In the U19 T20 World Cup, India will be counting on her to make breakthroughs in the middle order and provide useful 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 He made a lasting impression with his 8 wickets at an astonishing average of 3.12 and an economy of just 2.08. His 4/6 against Nepal U19 It was a masterclass in spin bowling, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with variations. Yadav’s ability to pick wickets in clusters makes her a match-winner in the shortest format. India will look to use it as a weapon on the spin-friendly courts of Malaysia during the U19 T20 World Cup. Her control and ability to take advantage of the conditions could make her a standout player in the tournament.

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times business.