Gunalan Kamalini Creates WPL History at Just 17
Seventeen-year-old Gunalan Kamalini is living a dream that most cricketers chase for decades. The Mumbai Indians prodigy made history in the Women's Premier League 2025. She became the youngest player ever to debut in the tournament. This moment announced a special talent on women's cricket's biggest stage in India.
From Madurai Bylanes to WPL Spotlight
Mumbai Indians Women picked Kamalini for a staggering Rs 1.6 crore. Her journey from Madurai's bylanes to the WPL spotlight shows remarkable grit and sacrifice. Her family nurtured an unshakeable belief in her abilities.
Kamalini grew up in a close-knit family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Her father Gunalan runs a transport business. He made countless sacrifices to support her cricketing ambitions. Her mother Saranya stood firmly by her side. She often took difficult decisions to ensure her daughter could pursue sport professionally.
A Versatile Cricketing Talent
Kamalini brings impressive versatility to the game. She is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter who can also bowl leg-spin. This multi-format value kept Mumbai Indians' scouts watching her closely.
Cricket was not her first sport though. "I started with skating when I was nine," Kamalini recalls. "I did that for about three years and won gold and silver medals. My brother played cricket, and I used to watch him at the academy. One day, I just bowled four or five balls — and everything changed."
Overcoming Early Resistance
What began as fun soon turned serious. Kamalini mostly played with boys early in her career. She faced resistance and bias regularly. "I was usually the only girl in the match," she admits. "People would say, 'She's a girl, send her in later.' That hurt. But I worked harder on my batting and bowling. When I came back after a month or two, the same boys shook my hand and told me I was playing better than them. That moment meant everything."
Family Sacrifices and Emotional Strength
Her rise demanded significant sacrifices. Regular travel from Madurai to Chennai for tournaments drained the family financially and physically. At one point, they discussed relocating. Her mother refused to compromise. "My mother said no — she believed in me completely," Kamalini says.
The emotional core of her journey lies in her relationship with her father. His health struggles left a deep impression on the young cricketer. "When I was a kid, I used to think, 'If I play well, my daddy will be good.' My mother would tell me not to cry because daddy shouldn't cry," she says softly. "Before every big match, I would go and take his blessings."
International Success and WPL Breakthrough
That emotional strength translated into powerful performances. Kamalini made her first big international statement against Pakistan. She scored 44 not out, guiding India to victory and earning the Player of the Match award. "That was very special for me," she says. "Winning a match for India is something else."
Then came the life-changing WPL auction moment. "I was on the bus when people started calling me," Kamalini recalls. "They kept saying my name is coming up — 15, 20, 25… and then Mumbai Indians. When such a big franchise picks you, it feels unreal."
Surreal WPL Debut Experience
Her WPL debut felt completely surreal. Walking out with senior international stars, Kamalini kept things simple. "It was my first ball in the WPL. I just took guard and looked around — so many foreign players. I played my normal game. The ball was short, I cut it, and it went into the gap," Kamalini said.
This historic debut marks just the beginning for the teenage sensation. Her journey from Madurai's cricket grounds to the WPL arena inspires countless young athletes across India. Kamalini's story proves that talent, when combined with family support and personal determination, can overcome any obstacle.
