By now, no Indian is unfamiliar with her name. A few days back she was unsold in the Women Premier League 2025 auction; now she has etched her name in history with her unbeaten knock of 346 runs off 157 balls. 

Ira Jadhav went from being an unsold player with a base price of 10 to becoming the most popular U-19 Women’s ODI, but her innings started from a very young age in Pune. 

The 14-year-old’s cricketing journey started in Kothrud, Pune, where Yadav, the youngest of four siblings, pursued her dreams against societal norms. While her siblings excelled in academics—earning distinctions in English literature, engineering, and finance—Yadav found her passion on the cricket field.

Her father, Madhav Yadav, a clerk at the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, supported her ambition despite a modest family background. She began by playing tennis-ball tournaments for Rainbow Cricket Club and quickly stood out for her talent.

In 2004, her hard work paid off when she was selected for Maharashtra’s Under-19 team. From humble beginnings to wearing the state jersey, Yadav’s journey speaks volumes about courage, dedication, and breaking barriers.

While talking about the young talent Sarvesh Damle, the head coach of the Mumbai Cricket Association stated, 

"Though it was against Meghalaya, her attacking innings was exceptionally good. Even the boundary was a full 65-yard boundary. And smashing all the bowlers with that consistency throughout 50 overs is very creditable". 

It was a must-win game for Mumbai, and Jadhav, playing only her second match of the tournament, had recently been a reserve player in India’s U-19 camp. 

Highlighting her strengths, Damle said, "She plays with a straight bat. Her cover drives and straight drives are well-timed. Her footwork is her biggest asset, she can easily step out and hit. That is a big advantage.”