G Kamalini becomes youngest WPL player at 16 years, 213 days, debuting for Mumbai Indians against Gujarat Giants. A look at her promising start and other young debutants.
G Kamalini, a member of India’s U-19 T20 World Cup-winning team, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). At the age of 16 years and 213 days, she was included in Mumbai Indians’ playing 11 for their WPL 2025 match against Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi International Stadium in Vadodara.
Kamalini’s inclusion in the Mumbai Indians’ lineup generated considerable excitement, marking a new chapter in her promising cricket career. Her debut highlighted the growing emphasis on nurturing young talent within the WPL framework.
Debut Performance
Kamalini’s debut was memorable. She got the opportunity to bat after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s dismissal. On her very first ball, she executed a well-timed cut shot that raced away for a boundary. This confident start showcased her potential and ability to perform under pressure.
Youngest Debutants in WPL History
Kamalini’s debut established her as the youngest player to feature in the WPL. Here’s a list of the youngest debutants in the history of the Women’s Premier League:
- 16 years and 213 days – G Kamalini (MI) vs GG, 2025
- 16 years 263 days – Shabnam Shakil (GG) vs RCB, 2024
- 16 years 312 days – Parshavi Chopra (UPW) vs MI, 2023
- 18 years 203 days – VJ Joshitha (RCB) vs GG, 2025
- 18 years 206 days – Alice Capsey (DC) vs RCB, 2023
- 19 years 7 days – Shweta Sehrawat (UPW) vs GG, 2023
- 19 years 36 days – Shafali Verma (DC) vs RCB, 2023
This list highlights the WPL’s commitment to providing opportunities for young cricketers and serves as a platform for them to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Match Details: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants
In the match where Kamalini made her debut, Mumbai Indians secured a victory against Gujarat Giants with five wickets in hand and 23 balls remaining. Kashvee Gautam, playing for Gujarat Giants, made an impact by taking crucial wickets, including those of Harmanpreet Kaur and Amelia Kerr. Also debuting for Mumbai Indians, Parunika Sisodia made her mark as a left-arm spinner.
The match also saw contributions from other young players. Niki Prasad, representing Delhi Capitals, played a crucial role in their victory against Mumbai Indians in a previous match, scoring a composed 35-run innings.
Other U19 World Cup Players in WPL 2025
Parunika Sisodia, like Kamalini, was also part of India’s U19 team that won the T20 World Cup in Malaysia. In that tournament, Parunika took 10 wickets and was India’s most economical bowler, while Kamalini scored two half-centuries.
VJ Joshitha also made her debut for RCB at the age of 18 years and 205 days.
Playing XIs for GG vs MI
The playing XIs for the match between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians were as follows:
Mumbai Indians: Yastika Bhatia(w), Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), G Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia
Gujarat Giants: Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney(w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner(c), Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra
Sources: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/womens-cricket/who-are-the-youngest-debutants-in-womens-premier-league-g-kamalini-debut-wpl-2025/article69235547.ece
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/wpl-2025-youngest-female-cricketer-kamalini-hits-a-boundary-on-the-first-ball-of-her-debut-match/
https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/cricket-wpl-2025-g-kamalini-mumbai-indians-youngest-2681935-2025-02-18