WPL has changed me a lot as a cricketer: Nandni Sharma

Indian fast bowler Nandni Sharma revealed how the Women's Premier League completely overhauled her tactical mindset. She also recalled a poignant childhood memory of being denied a chance to bowl before a senior player inspired her pace journey

Hyderabad: Delhi Capitals Nandni Sharma is now living her dream on the international stage as part of India’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking on JioStar, the India pacer reflected on discovering her passion for fast bowling, refining her game by competing alongside boys, and how the TATA WPL transformed her understanding of cricket.

---

“When I started playing cricket, my brother used to play, so I began by watching him. I would go to the academy with him, but I wasn’t given the chance to bowl. The coaches wouldn’t hand the ball to me at that time. I felt left out. So, I left cricket in between. I kept complaining at home that they don’t give me the chance to bowl. Then, after some time, I felt like playing again. I wanted to give it another try,” Nandni said.

“After that, I saw a senior player running in and bowling fast. I didn’t even know at that time that it was called pace bowling. I just watched her and thought, I also want to bowl like that. That moment changed everything. Earlier, I didn’t even get a ball in my hand. But from that day, I started fast bowling. That is one of my most important memories. That is where my journey as a fast bowler truly began,” she explained.

On how playing with the boys helped her shape her game, Nandni said: “The moment I started bowling; the coaches pushed me to play with the boys. I was the only girl among them. But that never stopped me. I played with them every single day. All our fielding sessions, batting practice, and bowling, everything used to happen with the boys, and that helped me improve quickly.”

“They bowled fast, they hit the ball hard, and I had to raise my game to keep up. Fast bowling attracted me a lot at that time. Watching boys run in and bowl with pace felt really good. I wanted to do the same. That is the only reason I wanted to do fast bowling at that time,” she said.

On why the thought of switching to spin repeatedly crossed her mind, Nandni said: “At one point, I thought about becoming a spinner. The idea crossed my mind more than once. But things were going well in fast bowling. I was picking up wickets and getting better with every game. So, I didn’t pay much attention to that thought. Fast bowling is very difficult. Injuries happen often. “

“You must stay extra fit and take more care of your body. I used to think, should I change, should I try spin bowling? But then I would see myself succeeding with pace, and the thought of switching to spin would fade away. Wickets kept coming, and that gave me confidence,” she said.

On how the TATA WPL served as a catalyst in her journey, Nandni said: “The WPL has changed me a lot as a cricketer. I have learned so much, from sharing the dressing room with big players to watching how they prepare, how they handle pressure, and how they approach different situations.”

“ I now see cricket in a different way. Earlier, I used to think that if I just bowl, I will get wickets. But now I understand that there is so much more to the game. There is planning, reading the batter, adapting to conditions, and communicating with teammates. I have learned a lot, and all of it is helping me in my journey,” she said.

On the fast bowlers she looks up to, Nandni said: “I grew up watching Irfan Pathan sir bowl. The way he swung the ball and took wickets, that really made me want to do the same. Currently, I look up to Bhuvneshwar bhaiya and Bumrah paaji.”

“ The way they bowl with control and variations is something I try to learn from. In women’s cricket, I am a huge fan of Marizanne Kapp. She bowls with pace, hits the right areas, and always gives her best. Watching her inspires me to keep pushing myself,” she said.