Young Cricketer Deeya Yadav's Remarkable Journey to WPL Stardom
A Historic Moment for Deeya Yadav
New Delhi, Dec 4: A week ago, IT professionals Pinky and Rakesh Yadav experienced a thrilling evening. While Pinky stayed at home, Rakesh was returning from work. Just 18 kilometers away, their 16-year-old daughter Deeya's name was about to be announced in the WPL auction.
Deeya was participating with Haryana's U23 team in Kerala for T20 matches, and as auctioneer Mallika Sagar called her name, tension rose for Pinky and Rakesh. The auction room fell silent for about 10-15 seconds before Delhi Capitals, who had been monitoring the young talent, raised their paddle and secured her at a base price of Rs 10 lakh.
"When DC finally raised the paddle, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was our first experience with an auction, and we were completely unaware of how it worked. It was an incredible yet nerve-wracking experience," Rakesh shared in a conversation.
Pinky, on the other hand, felt more fear than nerves. She watched as players went unsold before Deeya's name was called. "I was terrified about what would happen when her name was announced. But then, when DC made the bid, I was shocked – I never expected this to happen so soon!" she expressed.
Life Changes After WPL Selection
Since Deeya became the youngest player to be signed in a WPL auction, life has transformed for the Yadav family. "We are just an ordinary middle-class family. I can't describe how our lives have changed since Deeya was picked for WPL. She's receiving a lot of attention, and we’re unsure how to handle it," Rakesh noted.
At Delhi Capitals, Deeya will reunite with her idol, Shafali Verma, who was the player of the match in last month's ODI World Cup final. The two have developed a bond in Haryana's setup, and now fate has brought them together in DC.
“Shafali has always been her favorite, along with MS Dhoni. Interestingly, all of them are right-handed batters. Deeya bowls with both hands but bats right-handed,” Rakesh explained.
Deeya's aggressive playing style has been influenced by watching Shafali dominate bowling attacks. In the 2023 Under-15 Women's One-Day Cup, she scored an impressive 213 runs off 125 balls against Tripura, which caught the attention of DC scouts.
Impressive Performance and Development
This year, Deeya ranked as the fifth highest run-scorer in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy, amassing 298 runs at an average of 59.5 and a strike rate of 128. She continued her strong performance in the inter-zonal T20 competition, scoring 151 runs at a strike rate of 149.5.
“We have been closely monitoring Deeya Yadav throughout the recent domestic season, particularly during the Senior Women’s T20 and Inter Zonal tournaments. Playing alongside her idol Shafali Verma has been crucial for her growth,” a member of the DC scouting team remarked.
“Deeya displayed fearless intent, a diverse range of shots, and composure at a young age, which impressed us during these competitions. Her statistics were strong, and we were fortunate to secure her at the base price,” they added.
“What sets Deeya apart are her reactions to various situations, her attitude, body language, and intent. She plays with confidence, and one of her standout shots is her ability to hit aerial shots over mid-on and mid-off,” they noted.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Career
Rakesh, a former Delhi Under-19 player, reminisced about the family's time in Pune during 2015/16 when Deeya was just a regular kid exploring various activities. One day, she expressed her desire to play cricket, and Rakesh supported her immediately.
He would take her to weekend training sessions, where he witnessed her passion for the sport grow. “She was enjoying herself, which was the best part. Based on my limited cricket experience, I noticed she was quickly grasping the skills. Soon, she started asking for equipment, and I began to support her,” he recounted.
Deeya's promising career faced a setback during the Covid-19 pandemic. When the lockdown occurred, the family moved to Gurugram. With no formal training available, Rakesh and Deeya found a nearby ground where he would throw balls for her to practice.
Financial challenges were the only significant hurdle Rakesh faced in nurturing Deeya's career. “Managing finances was tough as cricket is a demanding sport. To excel, you need high-quality equipment and coaching, which can be expensive, but we managed,” he said.
Support and Training
Pinky's sacrifices were even greater. As a working mother, she balanced her job, household duties, and her younger daughter's school schedule while Rakesh accompanied Deeya to training. "Everyone had different commitments. Sometimes, I had to take leave or adjust my work hours, but I managed," she shared.
Deeya now trains at the Shri Ram Narain Cricket Club in Sultanpur, with strong backing from the Haryana Cricket Association. Rakesh remains actively involved, monitoring Deeya's progress with supportive coaches. However, as a former cricketer, he knows when to step back.
“As parents, we should not interfere too much in the sport. When a child starts power hitting, especially girls, they often have a range of shots on the leg side. Over time, as she gained strength, she developed shots on both sides, allowing her to hit effectively all around the field,” Rakesh explained.
Mental and Physical Growth
Sanjay Negi, who coached Deeya in 2023, highlighted her mental resilience. "She has a mindset that if she doesn't score today, she will do it tomorrow. While technical skills are important, her mental strength is exceptional," he stated.
Negi worked on strengthening Deeya's fundamentals, addressing her weaknesses. “When she first joined, she struggled with singles, faced challenges against inswingers, and had issues with leg-spinners. I focused on improving these areas, believing that addressing weaknesses early is crucial during this developmental phase,” he said.
Like many young athletes, Deeya faced tough feedback from coaches, which sometimes affected her mood. Pinky would remind her that it’s all part of the journey. “I would tell her that we want her to grow and succeed. We made sure she felt supported,” Pinky added.
Nutrition and Recovery
Before her breakout season, Deeya struggled with fitness and fatigue. Heavy training loads and poor nutrition made her prone to injuries, including a ligament issue. In August, Rakesh sought assistance from a sports nutritionist.
As an opening batter, Deeya's energy levels were a concern, and recovery was challenging. Long hours on the field left her exhausted, increasing the risk of injuries. The nutritionist and Deeya connected virtually due to her busy schedule.
The transformation was rapid – within three months, her energy levels surged, recovery improved, and fatigue disappeared, resulting in a more athletic build. "It required significant effort because while players are talented, their bodies often need strengthening. We maintain a traditional diet, but it needed to be more complete for an athlete," Rakesh explained.
Commitment to Excellence
Deeya's initial reluctance to follow nutritional advice tested the nutritionist's patience. However, with time, Deeya began to adapt. “Changing eating habits is challenging for any athlete, especially when under pressure to perform. Initially, she struggled with the new diet,” the nutritionist noted.
“Her discipline is commendable. We had to ensure she consumed enough protein as a vegetarian. There were times she would eat raw paneer, which surprised me,” the nutritionist shared.
“As her fitness improved, she started scoring fifties effortlessly, and one of those innings secured a win for Haryana. The impact of her improved fitness is evident, as we no longer discuss her previous injuries,” she added.
Future Aspirations
With the nutritionist's guidance, Deeya's diet is continuously adjusted. Morning calls determine her meals based on whether it's a match or training day. Hydration, recovery, and sleep are also monitored closely.
“There have been instances where she trained despite intense menstrual pain. Once, after a rigorous training session, she chose to stick to her diet instead of indulging in snacks offered to her,” the nutritionist recounted.
Despite the uncertainties, Rakesh and Pinky remained committed to Deeya's cricketing career. “Her parents were particularly focused on her future, especially during her recovery from injury. I assured them of my support, and now she is thriving,” the nutritionist concluded.
Deeya's journey has been challenging, from learning cricket in Pune to relocating to Gurugram, managing training sessions, and balancing her nutrition. Yet, her determination has caught the attention of DC for the 2026 WPL.
While the WPL selection is a significant milestone, Deeya has bigger aspirations, particularly aiming for the 2027 U19 Women's T20 World Cup. As she continues to excel in U23 T20 games, Rakesh hopes for more memorable moments like November 27, 2025, to come in their lives.
“I don't want to place too much pressure on her. She’s still young. Like any parent, I want her to enjoy the journey. Wherever life takes her, I hope she continues to enjoy it, and if she does, I believe she will succeed and hopefully represent India one day,” Rakesh concluded.