India Women handed a debut to G Kamalini, a 17-year-old left-handed batter, as the teenager earned her maiden T20I cap in the fifth and final match of the home series against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram. The cap was presented by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, marking a significant milestone in Kamalini's young cricketing journey.
Kamalini replaces vice-captain Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order and is set to open the batting alongside the in-form Shafali Verma, underlining the team management's confidence in her temperament and potential despite her age.
A Rising Talent in India's Youth Pipeline
Born in 2008, G Kamalini has been part of India's age-group structure and has impressed selectors with her consistency and fearless batting approach at the junior level. A natural left-hander,
Kamalini is known for her ability to score fluently in the powerplay, combine timing with intent, and adapt quickly to different bowling conditions - traits that have fast-tracked her rise through the ranks.
Her selection for the senior side reflects India Women's increasing emphasis on grooming young talent early, especially with an eye on long-term planning and major global tournaments ahead.
Big Opportunity on the International Stage
Making her debut in a bilateral series finale adds pressure, but it also presents Kamalini with a rare opportunity to announce herself at the highest level. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur stressed the importance of finishing the series strongly and maintaining momentum, a scenario in which Kamalini will be eager to contribute.
With experienced campaigners like Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh in the middle order, the young opener will have support as she finds her feet in international cricket. She, however, failed to make much mark in the game as she was trapped plumb in-front by Kavisha Dilhari for 12 off as many deliveries. India's top and middle-order collapsed in the game.
A Glimpse Into India Women's Future
Kamalini's debut is another signal of India Women's evolving squad depth and succession planning. At just 17, she represents the next generation of Indian women's cricket - fearless, technically sound, and unafraid of big stages.
