In a landmark moment for Indian women's cricket, 16-year-old batting sensation Deeya Yadav has etched her name into the history books by becoming the youngest player ever to be purchased at a Women's Premier League auction. The Haryana-based teenager was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals at her base price of ₹10 lakh, setting the stage for a dream partnership with her state captain and idol, Shafali Varma.
From Haryana Teammates to DC Companions
The Delhi Capitals' acquisition promises a fairytale setting for the young prodigy. Yadav will not only share the dressing room with international stars like South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt but will also get a chance to learn directly from her biggest inspiration, Shafali Varma. Speaking to Hindustan Times, an elated Yadav expressed her admiration for her senior teammate. "Shafali didi is an inspiration for all of us in the Haryana team. Her presence has helped me become a better cricketer," she said, highlighting how Varma encouraged her aggressive, natural game.
Yadav attended trials for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz but was pleasantly surprised when the Delhi Capitals placed the winning bid. "To get a chance to be in the same WPL team as her feels amazing. And then Laura Wolvaardt has also joined DC — I am so excited," she added, acknowledging the immense learning opportunity.
A Prodigious Talent Emerges
Deeya Yadav first announced herself on the national stage during the 2023 U-15 One-Day Trophy, where her performances were nothing short of spectacular. She amassed a staggering 578 runs at an average of 96.33, a campaign decorated with three centuries. The pinnacle was a record-shattering, unbeaten double-century—213* off just 125 balls—against Tripura, a rare feat in women's age-group cricket that showcased her destructive potential.
Standing at 5'8", Yadav is known for her clean striking and powerful wrists, an aggressive style that mirrors her idol, Shafali Varma. The two have already formed a formidable opening partnership for the Haryana senior team, a combination the Delhi Capitals will be eager to unleash.
Family Sacrifice and a World Cup Dream
Yadav's journey began after watching the 2017 Women's World Cup final, which ignited a desire to one day win the trophy for India. Her father, Rakesh Yadav, a former Delhi U-19 cricketer and IT professional, enrolled her in an academy in Pune. Her family made a crucial sacrifice during the COVID-19 pandemic, relocating to Gurugram to ensure she could train under the Haryana Cricket Association's elite system.
"My serious cricket started in 2020. I made my U15 debut in 2023 and we won the tournament. After that, HCA supported me across all age groups," Yadav recounted. Her progression was rapid, culminating in a senior team call-up and winning the U-23 trophy under Shafali Varma's captaincy.
Looking ahead, the teenager views the WPL as a critical stepping stone. "At 16, getting this exposure — sharing the dressing room with international stars — is a huge deal. It will help me grow and prepare for future challenges, including the U-19 Women’s World Cup in 2027," she stated. While unsure if she will get immediate playing time, Yadav is determined to make the most of the experience and help the Delhi Capitals, three-time runners-up, finally clinch the WPL trophy.
