In a tale of raw talent, unyielding resilience, and perfect timing, 19-year-old left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma has scripted one of women’s cricket’s most inspiring underdog stories. Just weeks after going unsold at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction on November 27, 2025, with a base price of ₹10 lakh, despite catching the eye of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she earned her maiden India call-up for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
India, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur under head coach Amol Muzumdar, hosts Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka from December 21 to 30, 2025, and Vaishnavi’s selection replaces Radha Yadav, bolstering the spin attack alongside Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Shree Charani.
“I was really gutted to be unsold in the WPL auction,” Vaishnavi admitted, her voice still carrying the sting of disappointment. “But so many players, coaches, and seniors reached out and supported me. Within three days, I got my first India call-up. I was over the moon.” This whirlwind shift from rejection to national duty underscores her meteoric trajectory, fueled by standout domestic and junior performances that selectors could no longer ignore.
Vaishnavi’s international breakthrough came earlier this year during India’s triumphant defence of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup title in January-February 2025. Under skipper Niki Prasad, following Shafali Verma’s 2023 victory, the Madhya Pradesh spinner emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 17 scalps in six matches at an astonishing average of 4.35 and an economy of 3.36. Her highlights included a stunning five-wicket haul and a hat-trick against hosts Malaysia, capping off with match figures of 4-0-23-2 in the final against South Africa’s Kayla Reyneke-led side on February 2.
That global stage poise translated seamlessly to domestic cricket, where she represents Madhya Pradesh. Across 17 T20 innings, Vaishnavi has snared 36 wickets at an average of 8.86 and an economy of 5.41, including two five-wicket hauls. In the 2025 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she dominated with 21 wickets in nine matches, topping the charts for MP despite their final loss to Maharashtra. She followed it up with 12 wickets in five matches for Central Zone in the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy, finishing second overall.
Her journey, however, is as much about grit as it is about skill. Vaishnavi’s father, Prof. Narender Sharma, shared the family’s sacrifices: “We supported Vaishnavi since she was four. Financially, times were tough, and we even had to sell our house, but I never let that affect her cricket. Enrolling her at the Tansen Cricket Academy and the strong ecosystem provided by MPCA helped her excel.”
Madhya Pradesh’s rise, credited to cricket director Chandrakant Pandit, has produced India stars like Pooja Vastrakar and Kranti Goud, with Anushka Sharma and Saumya Tiwari also in contention. “With Pandit sir as director, MP cricket has really benefited. There is no off-season for us. We play the entire year and maintain fitness standards,” Vaishnavi noted.
This call-up arrives amid India’s golden era. Fresh off lifting their maiden senior-level ICC title, the 13th Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, defeating Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa by 52 runs at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian captain to claim an ICC trophy at home. Legends like Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra and Jhulan Goswami, part of the broadcast team, tearfully lifted the cup, honouring the pioneers.
“I experienced the joy of winning the U-19 World Cup, and watching India lift another world title (ODI World Cup) blew my mind,” Vaishnavi reflected. “Now that the selectors have shown faith in me, I want to make the most of this opportunity and leave a mark against Sri Lanka. My dream is to help India win another World Cup.”
With the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup looming in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026, and WPL 2026 set for January 9 to February 5 across DY Patil Stadium (first phase) and Kotambi Stadium (second phase), Vaishnavi’s timing is impeccable. Inspired by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, she’s absorbing the national camp vibes as a handy batter too. Many chase franchise glory for national spots, but if Vaishnavi dazzles in Sri Lanka, the WPL doors will swing wide open.
(Quotes sourced from Hindustan Times)
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