Deeya Yadav: The Teen Sensation Shaking Up WPL
Deeya Yadav, a 16-year-old cricket sensation, made waves in the Women's Premier League (WPL) with her stunning debut for the Delhi Capitals. On January 20, 2026, she stepped onto the Vadodara stadium pitch, ready to face the Mumbai Indians. This young talent didn't just hold her own—she stole the show by hitting six massive sixes, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent and determination.
Early Beginnings and Rising Star
Born on October 9, 2009, in Pune, Deeya's love for cricket began early. Inspired by India's 2017 World Cup run, she convinced her father, Rakesh Yadav, to train her daily. Her dedication paid off, and she became the first female student at the Aryans Cricket Academy in Pune. But her journey wasn't easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her family made a big move to Gurugram to enroll her in the Shri Ram Narain Cricket Academy, ensuring she received top-notch training.
Dominating the Under-15 Scene
Deeya's talent shone brightly in the Women’s Under-15 One-Day Trophy in November 2023. She scored an unbeaten 213 runs off just 125 balls, leading Haryana to victory. Her performance caught the eye of scouts, and she quickly rose through the ranks, dominating senior cricket with impressive stats across various tournaments.
A Unique Power-Hitting Style
What sets Deeya apart is her unique power-hitting style. Unlike her idol Shafali Verma, Deeya is strong off the front foot and excels at hitting through the off-side. Her tall stature helps her handle fast bowlers with ease, making her a valuable asset in the powerplay. To maintain her strength, she follows a strict vegetarian diet, ensuring she gets the necessary nutrients to fuel her explosive batting.
The Road to WPL and Beyond
Deeya's journey to the WPL was a whirlwind. She found out she had been picked during a gym session in Thiruvananthapuram, with her teammates cheering her on. Despite her sudden fame, she remains focused on her goals: representing India in the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 and helping the senior team win a world trophy.
