At just 16 years and 213 days, G Kamalini from Tamil Nadu has already made history as the youngest player to debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), representing Mumbai Indians against Gujarat Giants on 18th February 2025 (Tuesday).
Kamalini’s passion for cricket ignited during the pandemic when she began accompanying her brothers to cricket matches. Initially more inclined towards skating, where she excelled as a state champion, she fortunately stumbled into cricket. “One day I asked my daddy, shall I play cricket? He said okay, no problem you can,” she recalls. This simple approval from her father set the stage for her growing cricket career.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Opportunities
Kamalini’s commitment to her craft quickly led to significant developments. After moving from Madurai to Chennai for better training opportunities, she stepped in as a wicketkeeper when an injury struck her teammate. This moment proved pivotal; her performance caught the attention of coaches, leading to her selection for the Under-19 Indian team just a year into her cricketing journey.
“Someone from the media called my mother to tell her. I didn’t believe that,” she says, reminiscing about receiving the call that would change her life.
India led by skipper Niki Prasad successfully defended their inaugural title by defeating South Africa in the final by 9 wickets and 52 balls to spare at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, in the 2nd edition of the tournament in Malaysia. The emotional weight of winning the trophy with her teammates is a moment she cherishes deeply, further highlighting the importance of family support in her journey.
She was the 2nd highest run-scorer for India and the 3rd highest run-scorer of the 2nd edition of the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, with 143 runs at a strike rate of 104.37 and an impressive average of 35.75 in seven innings with the bat for her side. Her tally of runs included a couple of half-centuries, with a high score of 56* (50 balls) in the semi-final against England.
Kamalini’s ascent has not been devoid of challenges. Her father has faced health problems, including a serious heart condition. Yet, his unwavering faith in her abilities has been a source of motivation.
“The day after I scored a hundred, I spoke to him on video call before the match. It was emotional and happy,” she reflects. This unwavering support from her parents, “who cried when I was picked for the Mumbai Indians,” underscores the sacrifices and struggles they endured together.
Short-term Goals and Future Aspirations
Being picked for the Mumbai Indians is another landmark in Kamalini’s career. A team she admires greatly, she notes, “I like Mumbai Indians a lot. After the trials, I was praying and hoping to get picked.” Now, she finds herself learning from the best in the sport, including legends like Harmanpreet Kaur and Jhulan Goswami. “Harman Di teaches me about captaincy and field placements. It’s a positive learning environment,” she shares.
With her debut in the WPL, Kamalini expressed her ambitions clearly: “My short-term goal is to perform for Mumbai Indians, and we should win the trophy.” Beyond the immediate, her long-term vision is to represent the senior Indian team, a dream many young cricketers aspire to.
G Kamalini’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and dreams coming to fruition. As she continues to balance her studies, aspirations, and cricket, she exemplifies the hope and ambition of a new generation of female cricketers in India.
With the support of her family, the right opportunities, and her own hard work, she is set to carve out a significant place for herself in the annals of women’s cricket. As fans and supporters, we eagerly await Kamalini’s journey and the impact she will undoubtedly make in the world of women’s cricket.
(Inputs sourced from video posted by MIPaltan on X)
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