India has announced its 15-member squad for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, set to take place from January 18 to February 2, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team aims to defend its title after their historic victory at the inaugural tournament just two years prior.
Led by captain Niki Prasad and vice-captain Sanika Chalke, the squad has shown great promise following recent successes, including winning the U19 Women’s Asia Cup. This victory serves as momentum as they prepare to face formidable opponents in the upcoming World Cup.
The Indian squad will be competing against Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and West Indies, all placed together in Group A. Their campaign kicks off against the West Indies on January 19, which will be the first of three group matches before potentially advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.
All eyes are on the team, which consists of 14 players from the Asia Cup-winning squad, including standout performers such as G Trisha, who finished as the leading run-scorer during the Asia Cup, amassing 159 runs with impressive statistics. Aayushi Shukla and Parunika Sisodiya also stood out as top bowlers, with Shukla taking 10 wickets and Sisodiya close behind with 9.
The inclusion of Kamalini G, recognized for her wicketkeeping skills and recent performances during the Women's Premier League, adds additional strength to the lineup. Observers expect her to play a pivotal role alongside the rest of the talented roster.
India enters this tournament as the defending champions, having won the inaugural edition held in South Africa back in 2023 under the captaincy of Shafali Verma. The pressure is on Niki Prasad to deliver under similar circumstances, and she has expressed confidence and excitement for the challenges ahead.
"India announced their 15-member squad for the U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025," various sports outlets reported. This reflects the intense preparation and strategic planning the team has undergone leading up to this significant international event.
Looking at the structure of the tournament, the competition will feature 16 teams divided across four groups, each aiming for the top three slots to advance to the Super Six stage. Among these teams are traditional powerhouses like Australia, England, and South Africa, creating intense competition all around.
India's matches will be held at the Bayuemas Oval, setting the stage for thrilling cricket as they aim to replicate their successful run from the previous tournament.
The announcement of the squad has invigorated fans and analysts alike, as they await what promises to be another remarkable chapter for India’s U19 women cricketers.
The support for the team is palpable, and cricket enthusiasts anticipate their performance with bated breath as the tournament draws near. With significant talents and strong performances under their belt, India's youth team is prepared to meet the challenges head-on.
After facing the West Indies, India will take on Malaysia and Sri Lanka on January 21 and 23, respectively. Continuity and consistency will be key to their strategy as they adjust to the dynamics of the tournament.
Through diligent preparation and tactical acumen, the squad seeks not only to win games but to assert their dominance as the best youth team on the international stage.
The road to potential glory is lined with challenges, but the Indian U19 team remains resolutely focused on their goal to defend their championship title, promising fireworks from January 18 when the tournament officially begins.
