From Gwalior’s nets to WPL lights — a fearless left-arm spinner rewriting Indian women’s cricket.
Vaishnavi Sharma, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner from Madhya Pradesh, has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian women’s cricket. Her breakthrough moment arrived in the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, marking a remarkable rise fueled by consistency, courage, and control.
Table of Contents
- WPL 2026 Replacement Signing
- Recent International Milestones
- U19 World Cup Heroics
- Background & Training
- Why Vaishnavi Sharma Matters
WPL 2026 Replacement Signing
On January 19, 2026, Mumbai Indians announced Vaishnavi Sharma as the replacement for injured wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini. Signed for ₹30 lakh, Sharma is set to feature for the remainder of the season, beginning with MI’s clash against Delhi Capitals on January 20 in Vadodara.
The inclusion comes at a crucial time for MI, who are looking to bounce back after recent defeats to UP Warriors. Sharma’s ability to control the middle overs with her spin adds a fresh tactical edge to the squad.
Recent International Milestones
Sharma earned her maiden India call-up in December 2025 for the home T20I series against Sri Lanka. Making her debut on December 21 in Visakhapatnam, she finished the series with five wickets in five matches.
Her economy rate stayed under four, and she struck early in the series with wickets in the first two games. The call-up alongside fellow Madhya Pradesh player Kranti Gaud made it a proud chapter for the state.
Adding to her rise, Sharma has also received an ODI call-up for the upcoming Australia tour after the WPL.
U19 World Cup Heroics
Vaishnavi Sharma’s journey accelerated during the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, where India lifted the trophy. She ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 17 wickets in six innings at an impressive economy of 3.35.
Her standout moments included:
- The first hat-trick by an Indian in the tournament (vs Malaysia)
- A match-winning five-wicket haul
Despite going unsold at the WPL auction, her domestic dominance — including being the top wicket-taker in national tournaments and collecting 21 T20 wickets — ensured her rise to senior cricket.
Background & Training
Born on December 18, 2005, Vaishnavi trained at the Tansen Cricket Academy in Gwalior, where she developed her craft through disciplined and repetitive practice.
Known for her calm temperament, sharp variations, and accuracy, she quickly became a fan favorite. Social media buzzed after her international debut, with viral images emerging during India’s dominant Sri Lanka series whitewash.
Her journey, as the daughter of an astrologer, adds a unique dimension to her fearless rise on cricket’s biggest stages.
Why Vaishnavi Sharma Matters
Vaishnavi Sharma represents the perfect blend of youth, discipline, and match awareness. With WPL exposure, international experience, and an upcoming Australia tour, she is fast shaping into a long-term asset for Indian women’s cricket.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the T20 World Cup, Sharma’s rise signals the arrival of a spinner ready to thrive under pressure — and redefine India’s spin future.