Deeya Yadav’s Rapid Rise to WPL 2026: From Weekend Coaching in Pune to Delhi Capitals’ Youngest Signing
Image: IANS
A week ago, Pinky and Rakesh Yadav sat through one of the most tense evenings of their lives. Their daughter, 16-year-old Deeya Yadav, was thousands of kilometres away in Kerala with the Haryana U23 squad. Yet the family home in Gurugram felt like the centre of their world as her name approached in the Women’s Premier League auction. For several long seconds, the auction room stayed silent. Then, Delhi Capitals lifted the paddle and signed her at the base price of ₹10 lakh. In that instant, Deeya became the youngest player selected in the WPL 2026 auction, and life changed for the Yadav family.
A Breakthrough Moment for a Middle-Class Family
For the family, the auction was not just a cricketing achievement but an emotional landmark. They describe themselves as a normal middle-class household. Suddenly, calls, messages and congratulations began pouring in. What was once a simple routine revolving around school, training sessions and weekend cricket became a whirlwind of attention and pride.
This moment also validated years of sacrifice, shifting cities, late-night study schedules and early-morning practice sessions. The family had relocated from Pune to Gurugram during the pandemic, balancing financial pressure with the ambition to support Deeya’s growing interest in the sport.
Bonding with Her Idol and Joining Delhi Capitals
At Delhi Capitals, Deeya will reunite with one of her biggest inspirations, India opener Shafali Verma. Both hail from Haryana, and their bond began in the state cricket ecosystem. Shafali’s aggressive style deeply influenced Deeya’s own approach to batting. It is fitting that Deeya now joins the same franchise where Shafali is a key player.
Though naturally left-handed, Deeya bats right-handed, a trait influenced by watching Shafali and MS Dhoni, her two major idols. Her ability to bat aggressively, especially with a preference for aerial shots over mid-on and mid-off, has made her a standout in domestic cricket.
Performances That Placed Deeya on the WPL Radar
Deeya’s rise is backed by remarkable numbers. In the 2023 Under-15 Women’s One-Day Cup, she smashed an unbeaten 213 off 125 balls against Tripura, a performance that first drew scouting attention. She later proved her consistency in senior-level cricket, finishing as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy with 298 runs at an impressive average and strike rate.
Her dominance continued in the inter-zonal T20 tournament, where she stood as the fourth-highest scorer. These performances showcased her ability to handle varied bowling attacks, maintain composure and score at a high tempo.
Analysts working with Delhi Capitals observed her closely through the domestic season, noting her fearlessness, shot selection and adaptability. With the team retaining core Indian batters, she fits perfectly as the next-middle-order option and a long-term investment.
The Start of a Journey in Pune
Long before WPL recognition, Deeya was a curious child exploring multiple hobbies. Skating, music, badminton, gymnastics—she tried them all. Cricket arrived into her life almost casually. One day, during the family’s stay in Pune, she expressed a desire to play cricket. Her father, a former Delhi U19 player with significant corporate cricket experience, took her to weekend coaching sessions.
He noticed her natural grasp of skills and her enthusiasm. Soon, she asked for her own bat and kit. The spark had been lit, but the journey ahead required far more commitment.
Pandemic Struggles and Informal Training Sessions
When the COVID-19 lockdown hit, formal cricket coaching centres shut down. The family moved to Gurugram, and practice became informal. Rakesh and Deeya would go to a nearby ground where he bowled to her, focusing on basics and consistency. These months were crucial, forming the foundation for her growth once structured training resumed.
Financial, Emotional and Practical Sacrifices
Cricket is a demanding sport, and the family made continuous sacrifices to keep Deeya on track. Equipment, coaching fees and travel costs added up quickly. Many expenses were challenging, but they found ways to manage. Pinky, juggling a full-time job, housework and the younger child’s schooling, often adjusted work timings, took leave or reorganised her day to maintain the family’s balance.
Rakesh handled most training-related commitments, but Pinky ensured the emotional stability that kept Deeya grounded. These combined efforts built a strong support system around the young cricketer.
Coaching Support and Development in Technique
At the Shri Ram Narain Cricket Club in Sultanpur, Deeya’s training entered a more refined phase. Coaches worked on developing her into a 360-degree batter. Later, under coach Sanjay Negi in Ghitorni, significant improvements took shape. When she arrived, she struggled with singles, inswingers, leg-spin, and maintaining a proper backlift. Over months, these weaknesses turned into strengths.
Her mental resilience also set her apart. She developed the ability to recover from failures quickly and return stronger—an essential trait for a professional athlete.
Nutrition, Fitness and Transformation
Deeya’s turning point arrived through her work with Bengaluru-based sports nutritionist Rashmi Cherian. Before nutritional intervention, Deeya experienced fatigue, fitness issues and recurring injuries. As an opening batter, maintaining stamina was critical.
Rashmi introduced a structured diet, focusing on complete meals, protein intake (especially challenging due to Deeya being vegetarian), hydration, recovery cycles, and sleep. The transformation was quick and visible. Within months, her energy levels rose, fatigue vanished, and her body composition improved dramatically.
The nutrition plan adapted across match days, training loads and travel schedules. Rashmi monitored her progress through daily calls, meal photos and evolving menus. The dedication on both sides helped Deeya regain top form, score match-winning fifties and stay injury-free.
Managing Pressure, Expectations and Emotional Growth
As her cricketing responsibilities increased, Deeya often faced pressure, criticism and tough coaching feedback. When her mood dropped, her mother reminded her that setbacks are part of the journey. The family prioritised emotional strength as much as technical skill.
The ligament injury period tested everyone, but Rakesh, Pinky and Deeya stayed consistent in their commitment to cricket. Their belief never wavered, even when the future felt uncertain.
The Road to WPL and Future Aspirations
Hard work, disciplined training and consistent performance led to her selection in the WPL 2026 auction. Yet, for Deeya, this is only the beginning. Her focus now shifts toward larger goals, including representing India and aiming for the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
As she continues scoring runs in the U23 T20 games, her nutritionist prepares new plans for her WPL season, and her coaches fine-tune her technique. The family hopes the journey remains filled with joy, learning and growth.
Rakesh’s wish is simple: he wants his daughter to enjoy the sport and follow where destiny leads, without feeling external pressure.
Our Final Thought
Deeya Yadav’s story reflects the spirit of young India—ambitious, hardworking and supported by families who navigate countless challenges for their children’s dreams. Her WPL selection at just 16 showcases the power of discipline, resilience and belief. As she steps into the professional arena with Delhi Capitals, she carries the support of her family, coaches and growing fan base. Her journey from Pune grounds to the WPL stage inspires a generation of girls looking to make their mark in cricket.
