Nandni Sharma has etched her name into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) record books, producing a season that will be remembered as a defining moment for Indian medium fast bowling. The 24-year-old Delhi Capitals pacer has become the highest wicket taker by an Indian bowler in a single WPL season, claiming 16 wickets in just nine matches and setting a new benchmark for consistency and impact.
Hailing from Chandigarh, Nandni entered WPL 2026 with promise but walked away with history. Her ability to swing the ball early, hit hard lengths, and maintain discipline under pressure made her Delhi Capitals’ most potent weapon throughout the campaign. The highlight of her season came against Gujarat Giants, where she delivered a hat-trick, enroute to a sensational spell of 5 for 33, the best bowling figures by her in the tournament this year. It was a performance that showcased not just skill, but maturity beyond her years.
Nandni set the tone early in the season with figures of 2 for 26 against Mumbai Indians in the opening match, immediately signaling her intent. She followed that up with her five-wicket haul against Gujarat, a spell that turned the match decisively in Delhi’s favor. Even on days when conditions were less helpful, she continued to chip in. Matches against UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians saw her pickup one wicket each, keeping the pressure on opposition batters.
Her second outing against RCB proved crucial, as she returned with three wickets, breaking the backbone of the batting lineup. She rounded off her campaign with another wicket against Gujarat, sealing her place at the top of the Indian wicket takers’ list. What stands out is not just the number of wickets, but the timing of them, often early breakthroughs or crucial middle overs strikes. She took 2 wickets in Eliminator’s against Gujarat Giants and helped Delhi win the match by 7 wickets and seal the consecutive 4th finals spot.
Behind Nandni on the list is Mumbai Indians’ Saika Ishaque, a seasoned slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Saika, 30 years old, took 15 wickets in 10 matches during WPL 2023 and has 25 wickets in 23 WPL matches overall, with a best of 4 for 11. Her consistency across seasons has made her one of the league’s most reliable spinners.
At number three is another Delhi Capitals talent, N Sree Charani, a 21-year-old slow left-armer who continues to rise rapidly. Charani picked up 14 wickets in nine matches during WPL 2026 and has 18 wickets in 11 matches across two seasons, underlining Delhi’s strong bowling depth.
Yet this season belongs to Nandni Sharma. In a league packed with international stars and experienced bowlers, she stood out through raw pace, control, and relentless hunger. Her record-breaking spell is not just a personal milestone but a statement Indian fast bowlers are ready to dominate the biggest stages.
Loves all things female cricket