WPL 2025: G Kamalini Excited After Hitting First Boundary in MI Debut
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Synopsis
After making her debut as the youngest player in WPL history with Mumbai Indians, G Kamalini shared her excitement about hitting her first boundary during a successful chase against Gujarat Giants.
Key Takeaways
- G Kamalini becomes the youngest debutant in WPL history.
- She also holds the record for the youngest player for Mumbai Indians across all T20 franchises.
- Her first boundary came off a well-timed cut against leg-spinner Priya Mishra.
- Kamalini felt nervous but enjoyed her time batting alongside Sajana Sajeevan.
- Mumbai Indians won their match against Gujarat Giants, earning their first points of the season.
Vadodara, Feb 19 (NationPress) After making history as the youngest debutant in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) while playing for Mumbai Indians against Gujarat Giants, G Kamalini expressed her exhilaration regarding the first ball she struck for a boundary during the successful chase of 120.
At just 16 years and 213 days, Kamalini not only became the youngest player in WPL history — she also made her mark as the youngest player to represent Mumbai Indians across all five of its franchise T20 teams worldwide.
On her debut ball, Kamalini, who recently triumphed at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with the Indian squad in Malaysia, confidently opened her account with a well-executed cut shot off leg-spinner Priya Mishra, easily securing a boundary.
“I was incredibly nervous, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable days of my life. I felt immense joy. I dedicated a lot of effort and anticipated this chance, so I am grateful for the opportunity. When I stepped onto the field, it was a delightful experience alongside Sajana akka (older sister in Tamil). I felt completely at ease while batting, unlike when I field, where I tend to get anxious. The first ball I hit for a boundary was thrilling – my inaugural boundary in WPL,” Kamalini remarked in a statement released by the franchise.
Her batting partner at the other end, Sajana Sajeevan, who ultimately sealed the chase with a lofted four, shared insights about Kamalini’s brief yet enjoyable presence at the crease and the encouragement she provided to the young player. “After the dismissal of Nat (Nat Sciver-Brunt), Kamalini entered the field. Our first conversation revealed her fears about playing,” Sajeevan explained.
“I reassured her not to fret and to seize the opportunity that few have had to play alongside her thus far. Only Hemalatha could have briefed the others about her talents, but even she seemed unaware of Kamalini's full potential. I encouraged her to swing hard if the ball was in her range, or we could rotate and score singles to finish the game smoothly.
“Our conversation was light-hearted. I’m delighted she hit a boundary on her first ball. We thoroughly enjoyed each other’s batting as we shared such a fun dialogue on the field. When she hit that boundary, she started clapping for herself. She has a great sense of humor,” she elaborated.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians concluded their Vadodara leg of WPL 2025 with a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Giants, securing their first points of the season. The team will now travel to Bengaluru to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.
