Lucknow/ Chandigarh: Haryana teenager Deeya Yadav, just 16 years old, has made a historic debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, becoming the youngest player to be signed at the WPL auction. Her selection by Delhi Capitals (DC) at the base price of ₹10 lakh has brought excitement and pride to her family, who witnessed the announcement from different locations—her father Rakesh returning from work, and mother Pinky at home.
Deeya’s cricketing journey began in Pune, where she experimented with multiple sports before focusing on cricket. Guided by her father, a former Delhi Under-19 player, she trained rigorously through lockdowns and overcame a ligament injury while maintaining her fitness and discipline under the supervision of nutritionist Rashmi Cherian. Her aggressive and fearless batting style, influenced by her idol Shafali Verma, caught the attention of DC scouts.
Her domestic performances have been exceptional: a record-breaking 213 off 125 balls in the 2023 U-15 Women’s One-Day Cup and notable contributions in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and inter-zonal T20 competitions. Analysts praised her attitude, poise, and ability to play shots across the field.
Deeya will now have the chance to play alongside her hero, Shafali Verma, further strengthening her skills and confidence. Her parents, balancing work and domestic responsibilities, have been instrumental in nurturing her talent while managing challenges of travel, training, and dietary needs.
Rakesh emphasized that while historic, Deeya’s WPL debut is just one step. “I want her to enjoy the game, learn continuously, and grow at her pace. Playing for India would be wonderful, but her joy and development come first,” he said.
Deeya’s journey from Haryana to the WPL highlights her dedication, talent, and the growing opportunities for young women in Indian cricket. With her debut now complete, all eyes will be on her performance in WPL 2026 as she embarks on this new chapter.
