Rising Star: Deeya Yadav Aims for Glory with Delhi Capitals

On November 24, 2023, Shafali Verma, a seasoned Indian international fresh from winning gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, had a challenging day during the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy. Playing for the North Zone, the 19-year-old from Haryana managed to score only one run against the North East Zone in Lucknow.

Meanwhile, in Raipur, a mere day later and over 800 kilometers away, another Haryana talent, 14-year-old Deeya Yadav, delivered an extraordinary performance. She scored an unbeaten 213 runs from just 125 balls in the Women’s Under-15 One-Day Trophy, where each innings consisted of 35 overs. Deeya concluded the tournament with an impressive 578 runs, making her the second-highest run-scorer, with an average of 96.33 and a strike rate of 120. Her performance included an unbeaten century in the final against Delhi, securing the trophy for Haryana.

Two years after her remarkable double century, Deeya was signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) for Rs. 10 lakh for the 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League. At 16, Deeya was in the midst of the Women’s U-23 T20 Trophy in Thiruvananthapuram, eagerly watching the auction unfold on her mobile alongside her teammates.

“We were in our gym session watching the auction on our phones when my name was announced, and everyone was thrilled when DC placed a bid for me. This was the first time I entered the auction, hoping to join DC where Shafali di is also present,” Deeya shared with Sportstar.

From Pune to Delhi via Haryana

Deeya’s journey in cricket began in 2017 during the World Cup. Inspired by her father, Rakesh, a former district-level cricketer, she started learning the sport at home. As her interest grew, she joined an academy, ultimately choosing cricket as her career. Rakesh reminisced about how the neighborhood boys refused to let her play, fueling her passion even further.

Under coach Harshad Patil at Aryans Cricket Academy in Pune, Deeya honed her skills as the academy’s first female student. Despite initial hesitations due to a lack of a girls’ team, Deeya trained with the boys and developed her attacking style. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the Yadav family moved to Haryana.

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In Haryana, Deeya joined the Shri Ram Narain Cricket Academy, affiliated with the Haryana Cricket Association. Her time there, Rakesh notes, was pivotal to her growth as a player. She debuted for the senior State team in the 2023-24 season while still playing age-group cricket.

This domestic season proved a breakthrough for Deeya. With consistent performances, she scored 298 runs in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, 151 runs in the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy, and 255 runs in the U-23 tournament. Her powerful batting style has led many to liken her to a younger Shafali.

Smacking it like Shafali

Deeya first learned about Shafali a year or two after beginning her cricket journey, around the time Shafali debuted for India at 15. Fascinated by Shafali’s attacking gameplay, Deeya began idolizing her. The two have played together for Haryana, with Deeya now set to share the dressing room in the WPL. “When batting together, Shafali’s support in pressure situations is invaluable,” Deeya noted.

While Deeya’s aggressive style is natural, she attributes her inspiration and learning to Shafali, alongside her rigorous fitness routine. “Haryana people are naturally strong, and fitness is crucial at HCA. My diet, though challenging as a vegetarian, has supported my strength development,” Deeya explained.

Deeya also trialed for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriorz, sending only her footage to DC. Ananya Upendran, a scout for DC, recalled first noticing Deeya in an U-19 tournament, impressed by her strong front-foot play and ease with handling pace.

Described as “chhoti Shafali” for her fearless approach, Deeya is distinct for her proficiency through the off-side. Thrilled to join a team with top-order talents like Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Shafali, Deeya is open to batting anywhere. “I aim to showcase my abilities, approach the WPL like domestic cricket, absorb knowledge from seniors, and aspire to earn the Indian jersey for the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup next year,” Deeya expressed enthusiastically.

Published on Jan 20, 2026