The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction made headlines with the name of G Kamalini, a 16-year-old cricket sensation from Tamil Nadu, who was acquired by the Mumbai Indians Women for a staggering ₹1.6 crore.
This significant investment by Mumbai Indians, who had only ₹2.65 crore to spend on four slots, underscores Kamalini’s immense potential in the cricket world.
Who is G Kamalini?
Kamalini is an all-rounder, known for her powerful batting, wicket-keeping skills, and spin bowling abilities. Her impressive performances in recent domestic tournaments have catapulted her to the forefront of Indian cricket.
In October, she played a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s victory in the U-19 domestic tournament, scoring 311 runs in eight matches. Additionally, she top-scored with 79 runs in the U-19 tri-series final for India B against South Africa A, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Rise to Prominence
Kamalini’s journey to fame began with her exceptional performances in domestic cricket. Her selection for India’s squad in the U-19 Asia Cup and her potential inclusion in the U-19 World Cup further highlight her growing stature in the cricketing community.
Trained at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, Kamalini has developed a skill set that is turning heads in the cricket world. Her fearless approach to the game, combined with her ability to clear the ropes and perform in clutch moments, marks her as a future star.
Mumbai Indians: The Perfect Platform
Mumbai Indians, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur and featuring legends like Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, provides Kamalini with the ideal environment to hone her skills.
Sharing the dressing room with some of the world’s best players will be an invaluable experience for her. If she can hold her own at this level, it won’t be long before she’s considered for the senior Indian team.
WPL Auction Highlights
The WPL 2025 auction was a thrilling event, with several notable purchases. Apart from Kamalini, other significant buys included Deandra Dottin by Gujarat Giants for ₹1.7 crore and Simran Shaikh, also by Gujarat Giants, for ₹1.9 crore, making her the most expensive buy of the afternoon. Mumbai Indians also added South African star Nadine de Klerk to their squad for ₹30 lakh, a deal considered.
