On 20 January 2026 Delhi Capitals took a step that redefined WPLCreated history by handing over debut cap to 16 year old player Diya Yadav For their important match 13 against Mumbai Indians. In the highly charged atmosphere of the Vadodara stadium, Kishore did not just participate; He dominated, hitting six huge sixes, clearing the ropes at a level of ease usually reserved for experienced international players. By choosing this specific moment to give the 16-year-old a chance to make his debut, the Capitals management showed immense confidence in his fearless intentions, allowing him to step out to play alongside his idol. Shafali Verma.
7 lesser known facts about Delhi Capitals player Dia Yadav
1. Youngest ever to feature in WPL: Dia has officially registered her name in the record books as the youngest player to be bought and play in Women’s Premier League. But 16 years and 103 daysHe left Mumbai Indians behind Yes KamaliniWho had set the previous record of 16 years and 213 days in 2025. Contracted for Rs 10 lakh in the 2026 mega auction, Dia’s entry at such a young age marks her as a generational talent whose physical maturity and power-hitting are already seen as elite level.
2. Birth, initial spark and ‘Indoor Academy’: Dia was born on 9 October 2009 in Pune, where the seeds of her cricket were first sown. Inspired by India’s 2017 World Cup performance, he convinced his father, Rakesh Yadav (a former Delhi Under-19 player), to let him play. For about a year, when she was only eight years old, her father made her bowl indoors every day to sharpen her reflexes. This intimate, early training laid the foundation for her hand-eye coordination before becoming the first female student Aryans Cricket Academy In Pune.
3. Sacrifice of parents and strategic step towards Haryana: Dia’s career momentum was saved by a big family decision during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the lockdown halted training in Pune, the Yadav family shifted to Gurugram in 2020 specifically to enroll him in Shri Ram Narayan Cricket Academy. This move was significant, as it placed him under the umbrella of Haryana Cricket Association (HCA)Which is famous for its high-performance culture and fitness standards. Her father, an IT professional, also managed the family finances through the huge cost of top-tier equipment and academy fees, ensuring that Diya had a ground near their home where she could continue to bowl her way when formal academies were closed.
4. Historic double century: Diya’s name became a sensation during November 2023 Women’s Under-15 One Day Trophy In Raipur. While an innings would have taken 35 overs, he played a marathon unbeaten inning of 213 runs off just 125 balls. She finished the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer with 578 runs at an average of 96.33, and even scored a century in the final against Delhi to help Haryana win the trophy.
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5. Reaching Senior Level: Despite her young age, Dia’s transition to senior cricket was lightning fast, leading to her success in the 2023-24 season. In the lead up to the WPL auction, she maintained incredible consistency across all three formats: scoring 298 runs in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, 151 runs in the Inter-Zonal T20 and 255 runs in the Under-23 tournament. This “successful campaign” proved that she could dominate not only her peers, but also experienced professional bowlers.
6. A Unique Power-Hitting Technical Profile: While scouts call her ‘Chhoti Shafali’ because of her impeccable power, DC Scout Ananya Upendran Notes one major technical difference. In contrast to the leg-side dominance shown early on by Shafali, the 5’8″ Dia is exceptionally strong on the front foot and shows superb flow through the off-side. His tall presence allows him to handle high-velocity pace comfortably, making him a versatile threat in the powerplay, a quality that inspired DC CEO Sunil Gupta Keeping an eye on her since she was just 14 years old.
7. Vegetarian ‘Power’ Discipline: To maintain the strength required to cross the 65 meter boundaries, Diya follows a strict vegetarian lifestyle that requires extreme discipline while touring. Because protein can be difficult to obtain while traveling, her mother, Pinky, makes sure she has a steady supply of specific nutrients, and Dia is known to eat raw cottage cheese straight from the packet to meet her high-protein needs. This commitment to nutrition, coupled with the rigorous HCA fitness regime, is the secret behind his ‘undeniable power’ and explosive bat speed.
8. Auction Gym Sessions and Future Goals: Dia famously learned that she had been selected for the WPL when she was in the middle of a gym session in Thiruvananthapuram. During the 2026 auction, she huddled around a mobile phone with her teammates between sets, and there was a cheer in the gym when Delhi made the winning bid. Despite the sudden fame of becoming a WPL star, she is focused on her next big objective: representing India at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 and helping the senior team eventually win the World Trophy.
It had to be Delhi. It was Shafali who had to hand over the cap to him 💙❤️
Ok go on, Diya👊 pic.twitter.com/0mpN4TXzjQ
– Delhi Capitals (@delhicapitals) 20 January 2026
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This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.