Who Is Nandini Sharma? The Uncapped Delhi Capitals Bowler Who Made WPL History in 2026

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 on Sunday (January 11) witnessed a moment that will be remembered long after the result was decided, as Nandini Sharma etched her name into the record books with a sensational performance for Delhi Capitals against Gujarat Giants.

Despite Delhi narrowly losing the contest, 's spell stood out as one of the most extraordinary bowling efforts in the short history of the league.

A Night to Remember at Navi Mumbai

At the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on January 11, Nandini Sharma delivered a spell that redefined impact bowling under pressure. The right-arm pacer from Chandigarh finished with a five-wicket haul, including a maiden hat-trick, becoming one of the few bowlers to achieve the rare feat in WPL history.

Her hat-trick came in

dramatic fashion during the death overs, with three wickets off the final three deliveries, turning what looked like a certain 220-plus total into a more manageable 209.

This remarkable effort placed Nandini alongside elite names in the WPL Hat-trick Club, marking her as the first Delhi Capitals bowler to claim a hat-trick in the tournament.

Standing Tall Amid Batting Carnage

What made Nandini's performance even more special was the context. Gujarat Giants were in destructive form, led by Sophie Devine and Ashleigh Gardner, who dominated the innings with relentless power-hitting. While most bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, Nandini showed composure, variation and courage, particularly at the death.

Her ability to strike when the batters were attacking at full tilt highlighted her temperament and cricketing intelligence - traits that separate promising bowlers from match-changers.

Who Is Nandini Sharma?

Nandini Sharma is an emerging Indian fast bowler who has steadily risen through the domestic ranks before earning her opportunity on the WPL stage. Known for her disciplined lines, late swing and ability to execute under pressure, she has been viewed as a long-term prospect in India's women's fast-bowling setup.

• Role: Bowler (Right-arm Fast/Medium-Fast)
• Batting: Right-handed Batter
• Domestic Team: Chandigarh Women (Captain in 2025), North Zone
• WPL Team: Delhi Capitals (Signed for ₹20 lakh in the 2026 Auction)
• Date of Birth: September 20, 2001
• WPL Debut: Against Mumbai Indians in 2026 Season

Latest Performance & Milestones (January 2026)

• Historic Hat-Trick (Jan 11, 2026): In a match today against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium, Nandani Sharma scripted history by becoming the first Delhi Capitals bowler to take a hat-trick in the WPL.
• Match Figures: She finished with match-winning figures of 5/33, dismissing key batters Kanika Ahuja, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Renuka Singh in the final over to seal the innings.
• Record Books: She joins an elite list of WPL hat-trick takers, alongside Issy Wong and Deepti Sharma.

Career Background & 2025 Season

Domestic Rise: Hailing from Chandigarh, Nandani rose through the ranks with consistent performances for Chandigarh and North Zone.

2025 Season: Her breakthrough came during the Senior Women's T20 Trophy 2025, where she displayed excellent wicket-taking ability and death-bowling skills, which caught the eye of WPL scouts. She also captained the Chandigarh senior team during this period.

Playing Style: Known for her ability to hit the deck hard and generate movement, she is considered one of the promising fast-bowling talents emerging from Northern India.

The WPL 2026 performance against Gujarat Giants is widely seen as her breakthrough moment, showcasing her readiness to compete at the highest level of franchise cricket.

More Than Just a Statistic

While the scoreboard will show that Delhi Capitals lost the match by four runs, Nandini Sharma's spell was the defining narrative of the night. In a game dominated by towering sixes and rapid scoring, it was her late burst that brought balance back to the contest and gave Delhi a fighting chance.

A Star in the Making

With a maiden WPL hat-trick and a five-wicket haul against one of the most explosive batting line-ups in the league, Nandini Sharma has announced herself on the big stage. If this performance is any indication, WPL 2026 may well be remembered as the season when Indian cricket discovered a new fast-bowling star - one capable of changing games even on the flattest of pitches.

For Delhi Capitals and Indian women's cricket, Nandini Sharma's rise could not have come at a better time.