India Women's search for the next generation of match-winners has brought Vaishnavi Sharma into the spotlight. The left-arm spinner from Madhya Pradesh earned her maiden India cap on December 21, featuring
in the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam - a series that marks the start of India's build-up to the T20 World Cup in England next June.
Vaishnavi's rise has been swift but far from accidental. She was a key member of the Indian Under-19 side that lifted the Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year and finished the tournament as its leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps. That success opened the doors to senior cricket, with both Vaishnavi and fellow U-19 graduate G. Kamalini receiving their first senior call-ups for the Sri Lanka series.
Her domestic numbers underline why selectors moved quickly. Vaishnavi claimed 21 wickets in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy and followed it up with a competition-high 12 wickets from five matches in the Senior Women's Inter-Zonal T20s. Consistency, control and an ability to attack through the middle overs have become her calling cards.
Born in Gwalior, Vaishnavi has already carved out a unique place in Indian cricket history as the first player from the Chambal region to represent the country. She took to the game at a remarkably young age, starting formal training when she was just five. Her early promise was recognised in the 2022-23 junior domestic season, when she won the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Women's Cricketer.
Behind Vaishnavi's journey stands a deeply involved family, particularly her father, Dr Narendra Sharma, an astrologist by profession. He famously described her career path as guided by "two Gs - grah (planet) and Google. " Explaining his belief, he said to Sportstar, "When Vaishnavi was born, we drew out her kundali and found that she has two avenues of success-medicine and sport. At the time, I thought that if she became a doctor, the city would know her, but if she succeeded in a sport, the world would. "
Training was a family effort. Long hours at the Tansen Cricket Academy in Gwalior, home routines devised through online research, and constant support from her parents and brother shaped her early years. Financial sacrifices followed, but the focus never wavered.
Vaishnavi's senior debut may not have brought wickets, but it showcased her temperament. She conceded just 16 runs in four overs, emerging as India's most economical bowler on the night. Speaking after the match, she remained composed: "I am just very happy that I was able to execute my plan, and there are four more matches to go. "
Despite having no Women's Premier League contract yet, Vaishnavi has already caught the eye of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who values wicket-taking spinners in T20 cricket. With more chances expected in the ongoing series, the 20-year-old now has an opportunity to turn early promise into a permanent place on the international stage.
She is featuring tonight as well in the 2nd T20I and once again a lot is expected from her.
