From Chandigarh streets to England’s pitches: Nandini Sharma historic calls up

The 24-year-old pacer first international selection caps a remarkable rise through domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League.

When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15- member squad for the ICC T20 Women world cup 2026, one name stood out as a most exciting new addition – Nandini Sharma. The rising seamer earned her maiden national call-up, with the pacer crediting her family and coaches for their unwavering support and sharing a message of resilience, emphasizing the importance of staying strong through life and never giving up.

It is a story of perseverance, grit, and exceptional talent finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

A Champion Born in Chandigarh

Born on 20 September 2001, Nandini hails from Chandigarh and has steadily climbed the domestic ladder through consistent performances, representing Chandigarh women and north zone women in domestic and inter-zonal competitions.

Growing up in a household that cherished the cricket, she started playing at a local club at the age of 10. Her father still remembers the time when Nandini, constantly urged him to enroll her at a cricket academy. Her father said that “I used to play cricket in my younger days, but to see her play always made me emotional. Now to see her being selected for India for the T20 World Cup is one of the biggest rewards for us and for Nandini’s hard work and passion for cricket.”

Her discipline and natural athletic ability soon saw her rise through the ranks. Her path however, was not so easy. She had previously attended trials for the Gujarat Giants during WPL season 2 but failed to secure a contract. Rather than being discouraged, she returned to the domestic grind, captaining the Chandigarh senior team in 2025 and making a strong impression at the NCA emerging camp in Bengaluru.

The WPL Breakthrough

The 2026 Women Premiere League proved to be the launchpad that changed everything. Nandini Sharma is a right arm fast bowler known for her ability to generate bounce and movement, making her genuine threat with a new ball. Delhi Capitals signed her for INR 20 lakh for WPL 2026 auction.

She wasted no time in making her mark. In second match against Gujarat Giants, she delivered a spell for the ages - a historic hattrick and a five - wicket haul. Her hat-trick came in dramatic change in last overs, with three wickets off the final three deliveries, turning what looked like a certain 220-plus total into a more manageable 209. This exceptional effort placed her name in the WPL Hat-trick club marking her as the first Delhi Capitals bowler to claim a hat- trick in the tournament.

 Her ability to strike when batters were attacking reflected her composure and cricketing intelligence, qualities that set impactful bowlers apart from the rest. She finished the WPL season as the joint – highest wicket – taker with 17 scalps for Delhi Capitals, with her capacity to strike at crucial moments and maintain discipline in both the powerplay and death overs making her one of the most promising young fast – bowler in the domestic cricket.

India’s World Cup Campaign

Fresh off their victory in the 50- over World Cup, India will be aiming to add more silverware at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on June 12 in England. India will play first match on 14 June with a high voltage clash against Pakistan in Birmingham.

 The pace attack, alongside Nandini, India will depend on Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy, with added depth from emerging players like Kranti Gaud. The selectors have clearly focused on building a balanced and adaptable bowling unit suited to English conditions.

Never back down– a message from Nandini

Perhaps the most telling aspect of Nandini Sharma’s story in not her hat-trick, nor her wicket tally, but her attitude towards life, towards every obstacle comes in her way. she said in an interview that “Everyone’s reaction was so emotional. I think who ever I met in my life has taught me something. Never give up in life. There will be lots of ups and downs but don’t give up.”

From the streets of Chandigarh to Lord’s cricket ground- where T20 World Cup 2026 final will he hosted- Nandini Sharma’s journey is the kind that inspires a generation. India’s 15^th squad member may just turn out to be their most impactful weapon.