5 Indian women cricketers who could become the next big names

Indian women's cricket has seen a steady stream of young talent emerge through domestic competitions, the WPL and international assignments in 2026. Several uncapped or recently capped players have made strong impressions at various levels of the game. With the Indian side constantly looking to build on past success and keep the teams fresh and raring to go in all competitions and formats, five players in particular have caught the eye through their performances in the WPL, domestic T20 tournaments and early international appearances. Here is a look at each of them. 1. Anushka Sharma Anushka Sharma. (Photo Source: WPL) Anushka Sharma is a 22-year-old middle-order batter and off-spinner from Madhya Pradesh who plays for Gujarat Giants in the WPL. She was the most expensive uncapped player at the 2026 WPL auction, acquired for ₹45 lakh, and went on to be the highest-scoring Indian batter for her side that season. She scored 177 runs in seven matches at an average of 25.28 and a strike rate of 129.19. Her domestic record is equally strong: in the U-23 Trophy she scored 322 runs in eight innings, including two centuries, at a strike rate of 128.28. She was also part of the India A team that won the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament. Sharma earned her maiden T20I call-up for the five-match series against South Africa and made her debut in Durban in 2026. She was subsequently left out of India's Women's T20 World Cup 2026 squad following the tour of Australia. 2. Nandani Sharma Nandani Sharma. (Photo source: WPL) Nandani Sharma is a 24-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Chandigarh. In her debut WPL season she finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker, claiming 17 scalps for Delhi Capitals, a return that drew widespread attention. That form earned her a maiden international call-up for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. She made her T20I debut against England Women at Chelmsford in 2026, and has since become a key member of the side, even being part of the India side that won the Asia Cup and Gold in the Asian Games. Consistency, fitness and continued exposure at the highest level are the areas identified for her ongoing development as she looks to cement a regular place in the Indian setup. 3. Kashvee Gautam Kashvee Gautam (WPL/BCCI) Kashvee Gautam is a 22-year-old fast bowler and lower-order batter who has been a regular for Gujarat Giants in the WPL, appearing in 18 matches and claiming 19 wickets. She also performed well in a Women's ODI series in Australia. Gautam made her T20I debut in Durban, South Africa, in 2026. Her campaign for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 was cut short when a right knee injury ruled her out of contention for the squad. She will be looking to make a stronger case for her place in the Indian side as a genuine seam-bowling option. 4. G. Kamalini Kamalini (Source: WPL/BCCI) G. Kamalini is a wicketkeeper-batter who first attracted attention with her performances in the U-19 Asia Cup in 2024, when she was 17 years old. Those displays earned her a WPL deal with Mumbai Indians, for whom she played nine matches. She was among five players retained by Mumbai Indians for ₹50 lakh ahead of the 2026 WPL auction. In the Senior Women's T20 Trophy, she finished as the sixth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 297 runs in seven games. Kamalini has debuted for India in T20Is, even being part of the Asia Cup-winning squad, marking another step forward in what has been a rapid rise through the women's game. She will lead the Under-19 side in the upcoming World Cup and will look to put on good performances for her team on that front. 5. Vaishnavi Sharma Vaishnavi Sharma (Source: BCCI) Vaishnavi Sharma is a promising left-arm spinner who has impressed in age-group cricket and earned opportunities with India's senior team. She has played one ODI and five T20Is for the Indian team, impressing in her debut series against Sri Lanka in late 2025. Her control, ability to vary her pace and potential to take wickets make her an exciting prospect for the future. With continued experience and development, she could become an important spin-bowling option for India, particularly in limited-overs formats.

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5 Indian women cricketers who could become the next big names

From WPL standouts to T20I debutants, these five players are ones to follow closely.

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