The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has quickly established itself as a stage where elite international stars and emerging domestic talent coexist. One of the most striking trends since the league’s inception has been the confidence franchises have shown in teenage cricketers, particularly those who have impressed at the Under-19 and senior domestic levels. Over the last three seasons, several players have made history by debuting in the WPL before even turning 17, underlining the depth of talent coming through the women’s cricket pipeline. Here is a closer look at the three youngest debutants in WPL history.
1. Deeya Yadav (16 years, 103 days)
Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, 20 January 2026
Deeya Yadav etched her name into WPL history by becoming the youngest-ever player to feature in the league. Delhi Capitals handed her a debut during the 2026 season after a prolific run-in domestic cricket. Yadav’s rise was built on consistency and power at the top of the order. In the 2025–26 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she amassed 298 runs in eight matches, averaging nearly 60 with a strike rate above 125, figures that put her among the most effective batters in the competition.
Her debut against Mumbai Indians came in a high-pressure fixture, but Yadav looked unfazed by the occasion. At the Under-19 level, she had already made a name for herself with match-winning knocks in inter-zonal and age-group tournaments. Coaches and analysts have highlighted her strong base, bat swing and game awareness as qualities that set her apart at such a young age. For Delhi Capitals, Yadav represents a long-term investment in top-order firepower.
2. G. Kamalini (16 years, 213 days)
Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants, 18 February 2025
Before Yadav’s record-breaking appearance, G. Kamalini was the youngest player to debut in the WPL. Mumbai Indians introduced the left-handed batter during the 2025 season after her impressive performances in age-group cricket. Kamalini announced herself on debut with a confident boundary early in her innings, a moment that showcased her fearless mindset against experienced bowlers.
Kamalini was a key member of India’s ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, scoring 143 runs in seven matches and playing important roles in pressure situations. Known for her ability to rotate strike and accelerate when required, she often batted through the middle overs at the U-19 level. While her opportunities in the WPL were limited in her debut season, Mumbai Indians’ decision to fast-track her reflected their belief in her technique and temperament. Her development has since been closely monitored as she continues to gain exposure to elite competition.
3. Shabnam Shakil (16 years, 263 days)
Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 6 March 2024
Shabnam Shakil was among the earliest teenage entrants into the WPL, making her debut in the 2024 season as a 16-year-old fast bowler for Gujarat Giants. Unlike the batters on this list, Shakil’s impact came with the ball. In her debut season, she featured in four matches and picked up four wickets, showing discipline and composure despite her age.
Shakil’s selection was the result of strong performances at the Under-19 level, where she was part of India’s U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squad. Her ability to hit a consistent length and extract movement made her a valuable option in powerplay and middle overs. Gujarat Giants viewed her inclusion as a step toward building a future-ready bowling attack, giving her early exposure to top-tier batters.
Together, these three debuts underline a defining shift in the landscape of women’s cricket. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is no longer just a destination for established internationals but a genuine launchpad for teenage prodigies who have proved themselves. By trusting players like Deeya Yadav, G. Kamalini and Shabnam Shakil at such a formative stage, franchises are accelerating development and narrowing the gap between youth cricket and the elite level.
The exposure to high-pressure matches, world-class teammates and opponents, and professional environments at such a young age can be transformative. As the WPL continues to grow in stature and influence, these early breakthroughs signal a strong, sustainable future for the women’s game, one where talent is identified early, nurtured carefully and given the stage it deserves.
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