17-Year-Old G Kamalini Marks Promising T20I Debut as India Eye Whitewash Against Sri Lanka
Thiruvananthapuram, December 30, 2025 – In a heartwarming moment for Indian women’s cricket, 17-year-old prodigy Gunalan Kamalini made her T20I debut for India in the fifth and final match against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu received her cap from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, stepping in to replace the rested Smriti Mandhana as opener alongside Shafali Verma.
With the series already secured at 4-0 following dominant victories in the previous encounters, India opted for experimentation in this dead rubber. Mandhana, fresh off a Player of the Match performance in the fourth T20I, and pace bowler Renuka Singh Thakur were rested, allowing Kamalini and all-rounder Sneh Rana to feature in the playing XI. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to build on their improved batting display in the prior game.
Kamalini, born on July 20, 2008, wasted no time announcing her arrival on the international stage. She struck a boundary early in her innings, showcasing her aggressive top-order style. However, her debut knock ended at 12 runs off 12 balls, trapped LBW by off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari. Despite the early dismissal, her composed start highlighted the potential that has marked her rapid rise in the sport.
The teenager’s journey to the senior team has been meteoric. Earlier in 2025, she played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant Under-19 T20 World Cup campaign, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 143 runs across seven innings at an average of 35.75. Her standout unbeaten 56 in the semifinal against England earned her a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Domestically, Kamalini has shone for Tamil Nadu, emerging as a leading run-getter in age-group and senior tournaments. Her talent caught the eye during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction, where Mumbai Indians acquired her for a whopping ₹1.6 crore. She made history as the youngest debutant in WPL at just 16 years and 213 days, and was subsequently retained by the franchise ahead of the 2026 season.
Known for her stylish left-handed batting, wicketkeeping skills, and fearless approach, Kamalini represents the exciting new wave of talent in Indian women’s cricket. Her inclusion in the dead rubber provided valuable exposure, aligning with India’s strategy to test bench strength ahead of future assignments.
As the series concludes India’s home season on a high note, Kamalini’s debut adds another chapter to a year of milestones for the Women in Blue. Fans will eagerly watch her progression, as she aims to cement a permanent spot in the senior squad.
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