In a story of relentless dedication and family sacrifice, 17-year-old Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini has capped off a phenomenal 2025 by earning her first call-up to the Indian senior women's cricket team. The teenager, already an Under-19 World Cup winner and a Women's Premier League champion this year, is set to make her debut in the upcoming T20 International series against Sri Lanka, beginning Sunday.
A Dream Realised Through Sacrifice
Speaking on the sidelines of the Tamil Nadu Sports Conclave 2.0 on Tuesday, an emotional Kamalini described the selection as a dream come true. She highlighted the years of struggle and the pivotal decision to move from Madurai to Chennai to pursue cricket seriously. The achievement holds profound meaning for her family, especially her father, who supported her ambitions while battling health issues.
"It's a reward for all the hard work over the last five to six years," Kamalini said. "All the struggles my dad went through, his health issues, were for this: to play for India. The call-up brought a flood of emotions. His countless sacrifices, and the support from my mom and elder brother, have made this possible."
Proving Her Mettle on the Field
Kamalini's selection is backed by impressive performances. She was a crucial player for Tamil Nadu in the BCCI Women's Under-23 T20 Trophy, smashing 275 runs in just six matches at a stunning strike rate of 138.88, powering her side to the quarterfinals. This prolific form has been a hallmark of her year, filled with T20 cricket.
The young batter stated she has been focusing intensely on power-hitting, a skill she recognizes as vital in the modern T20 game. "I have been practising a lot on power hitting. Whether opening or in the middle-order, you must adapt to the situation, which is my focus," she explained. Her ambition is clear: "I want to win many matches for India and become a mainstay in the team."
The Dual Discipline: Batting and Keeping
Kamalini's role isn't limited to batting. As a wicketkeeper, she understands the demands of the dual responsibility. She dedicates equal time to honing both skills, emphasizing that glovework requires even more rigorous training.
"Keeping is not at all easy. It requires more training than batting. A single missed chance can change a game," she noted, revealing her disciplined routine. "If I train for three hours on batting, I spend another three hours on keeping drills every day."
As the swashbuckling teenager prepares to don the blue jersey, her journey from Madurai to the national stage stands as a testament to talent, hard work, and unwavering family support. The series against Sri Lanka offers the perfect platform for this exciting new talent to shine on the international stage.
