Kuumar Shyam (Sharjah)

The future of women’s cricket in the short format is in action at the Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia while the cream of talent is gearing up for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) starting next month in India. Meanwhile, three Indian players of the WPL team Gujarat Giants, while representing both ends of the spectrum as above, landed in Sharjah to encourage their male counterparts of their sister franchise, Gulf Giants.

Bharti Fulmali, Prakashika Naik, and Kashvee Gautam, the new recruits of the Gujarat team, were in the audience to support the Gulf Giants in their match against Dubai Capitals. While the intention was to promote women’s cricket, the players in return wished that “lady luck” smiled on the men, walking away impressed with local talent such as Aayan Khan and also marvelling at the senior players.
Fulmali, who has been with the team since the past season, got a chance to follow her favourite from up close. The Vidarbha batter revealed she is a fan of Shimron Hetmyer, drawing parallels between their batting styles.

“I admire Shimron Hetmyer. He’s one of my favourite batters because he’s a hitter, just like me. We both bat in the middle order, and I’m eager to watch him play. My batting style and mindset are very similar to his,” she said. “As a finisher, you typically have only four or five overs to bat, so you need to hit from the first ball. During our pre-season camp, my coach mentioned promoting me in the batting order, so I’m preparing for those situations.”

Drawing further parallels was Naik, who found fellow spinner Aayan, impressive as a rising talent. While the teenager Aayan has been cementing his reputation as a hard-nosed national team bowler on the flat tracks of the UAE, Prakashika is the freshest face for Gujarat this year.

And she also expressed her awe for the ground with the most cricketing activity in the world – the Sharjah Cricket Stadium – where Aayan is a regular. “The ground and atmosphere here are excellent. While it’s challenging for leg-spinners, it’s a great venue. It’s inspiring to see Aayan Afzal Khan bowling and consistently taking wickets on these pitches. It is a great learning to see him bowl,” Naik said.
Gulf Giants’ initiative to root for domestic talent runs as a common thread for Gautam. Cricket can be a tough sport for players aspiring to play for the national team in a country of billions.

In 2020, Gautam made history by taking 10 wickets in an innings while playing for Chandigarh in the Women’s U-19 One Day Trophy. Yet, the Indian team jersey has eluded her.

Gautam then became the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the 2024 WPL auction when Gujarat Giants acquired her for 20 million rupees. After missing the previous season due to injury, she is ready to make her mark.

Gautam is particularly excited to play alongside West Indian cricketer Deandra Dottin, a T20 World Cup winner known for her explosive batting. “She’s a great athlete who can hit big sixes and take blinders. As an all-rounder, I relate to her role and look forward to sharing the dressing room with her,” she said.

Kashvee also praised leagues like ILT20 and WPL for nurturing young talent. “Both leagues have given opportunities to young players, and it’s great to see them evolving. They’re showcasing their talent alongside elite athletes. As a WPL player, I’m honoured... Our squad is well-balanced with good all-rounders. That’s crucial in T20s – you need a long batting lineup and fast bowlers. I’m looking forward to winning many games with my team.”

Gujarat Giants will begin their WPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 14 in Vadodara.