5 promising youngsters redefining WPL 2026 with stellar performances

Nandani Sharma, Anushka Sharma in WPL 2026 [Source: X]

With the start of the WPL 2026, a new generation of female cricketers has emerged to showcase their skills on the global stage. Just like the Indian Premier League, the Women’s Premier League provides an opportunity to domestic cricketers to demonstrate their potential and prove their mettle to become the future stars of Indian cricket.

From impressive batting performances to game-changing spells with the ball, these young cricketers have already started making significant contributions to their teams and capturing the attention of selectors and fans alike. The emergence of new talent highlights the depth and strength of women’s cricket in India, signalling a bright future for the sport.

Anushka Sharma

The 22-year-old Anushka Sharma from Madhya Pradesh is a technically sound middle-order batter who knows how to anchor an innings- a rare find nowadays in Indian cricket. She began the WPL 2026 by shining in the first match of her team when her clinical 30-ball 44 helped Gujarat Giants post their highest-ever score in the league’s history. 

In the process, she posted a 103-run partnership along with her idol and Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner. This solidified her position as a dependable player and identified her ability to perform under pressure, contributing significantly to the team's success.

Gunalan Kamalini

The young wicketkeeper was already in the spotlight last month when she received a national call-up and made her international debut. She became the youngest debutant in the history of the Women’s Premier League and became a vital part of the Mumbai Indians' batting line-up. 

The top-order batter from the Mumbai Indians began the league on a strong note with a 32 off 28 in the season opener against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kamalini is already marked er as one of the promising talents to watch this season and is clearly working towards making a solid impression.

Nandani Sharma

In just three matches for the Delhi Capitals, Nandani Sharma has made an outstanding impression. In a standout performance, she claimed a 5-wicket haul against Gujarat Giants, four of which came in the same over. During the dramatic final over of the Gujarat innings, Nandani dismissed Kashvee Gautam on the second ball and went on to claim a hat-trick in the final three deliveries of the over. 

With already an impressive tally of 8 wickets for 88 runs so far, Nandani’s consistent and disciplined bowling has positioned her as one of the emerging highlights of this year's Women’s Premier League.

Kashvee Gautam

Kashvee Gautam made her WPL debut last year and gradually became an integral part of the Gujarat Giants. After ending her first season with 11 wickets for the Gujarat Giants, Gautam returned this time as one of their key players. 

With already 2 wickets in three matches, Gautam started to show her ability to deliver consistently and contribute to the team’s success whenever needed. No wonder she is expected to deliver more critical performances for the Giants in the coming days and impress the national selectors.

Niki Prasad

Niki Prasad was part of the triumphant Indian Under-19 squad in the 2025 Women’s Under-19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur and emerged as a promising youngster. Recognised to play the finisher’s role, she became part of the Delhi Capitals’ squad last year. 

This season, Prasad has batted only once so far, but will be expected to seize the opportunities coming her way as the WPL 2026 moves forward.