Sixteen-year-old Haryana batter Deeya Yadav etched her name into Indian women’s cricket history when Delhi Capitals picked her at the WPL 2026 mega auction on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi.
Bought at her base price of INR 10 lakh, Deeya became the youngest player ever signed in WPL history,
second only to Shabnam Shakil in age at acquisition.
She entered a star-studded DC dressing room featuring Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues,
Sneh Rana, and Lizelle Lee. Shafali Verma, her Haryana senior and role model, welcomed her warmly on Instagram,
calling the moment a proud one.
Rapid Rise Through Domestic Cricket
Deeya’s rise has been swift and fearless. She first grabbed nationwide attention in 2023 with a stunning 213* off 125 balls against Tripura in the U15 One-Day Cup at Raipur — an innings that showcased raw power, confidence,
and maturity well beyond her age.
By January 2025, she was fast-tracked into Haryana’s U-23 and senior teams. During the 2025–26 domestic season, she flourished at No. 3, scoring 298 runs in eight T20 innings at an average of 59.50 and a strike rate of 128.
In the U23 T20 Trophy, she added another feather to her cap with 255 runs in nine innings, including a crucial 33 off 16 balls in the final that helped Haryana defeat Delhi and lift the title.
WPL Debut Day: January 20, 2026
On January 20, 2026, Deeya Yadav officially stepped onto the WPL stage, making her debut for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians. She replaced Mennu Mani in the playing XI as DC elected to bowl first.
Her debut came just days after her U23 triumph, underlining her seamless transition from junior cricket to the elite level.
She had earlier attended trials for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz, but Delhi Capitals emerged
as the perfect fit — thrilling fans eager to witness her Shafali-like fearlessness.
Playing Style & Cricketing Ambitions
Known for audacious stroke-making and calmness under pressure, Deeya draws inspiration from Shafali Verma’s aggression and MS Dhoni’s composure. Playing alongside Verma for Haryana and North Zone over the
past three years has sharpened her attacking mindset.
Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta praised her ability to adapt quickly at the senior level, noting her impressive displays
in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. Deeya now looks forward to learning from international stars like
Wolvaardt and Rodrigues while chasing her ultimate dream — wearing the India jersey.
Why Deeya Yadav Is One to Watch
From honing her skills during the pandemic in Haryana to shining under the bright lights of the WPL, Deeya Yadav’s journey is just beginning. At only 16, she represents the fearless new generation of Indian women’s cricket —
talented, confident, and unafraid of the big stage.
If her debut is any indication, the WPL hasn’t just found a youngster — it has found its next headline-maker.
