Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 witnessed one of the most meteoric rises in cricket history. Dr. in Navi Mumbai. On a quiet Sunday night at the DY Patil Stadium, an uncapped Indian pacer turned the league on its head. Nandini Sharmaplaying only his second professional match in the tournament, he spelled for the ages as he etched his name into the record books with a historic hat-trick and five-wicket haul. Giants of Gujarat.
A high-scoring thriller saw Gujarat Giants edge out Capitals of Delhi by a narrow 4-run margin, the headlines belonged to the 24-year-old seamer who dismantled a mammoth batting line in a single-handed frenzy.
Who is Nandini Sharma?
Nandini is a right arm fast and medium bowler who has quickly become the new sensation for Delhi Capitals. Born on 20 September 2001 in Chandigarh, he represents the growing depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket. Standing as a symbol of endurance, it is known for its ability to generate significant bounce and drive even on unresponsive tracks.
Before her explosive arrival on the WPL scene, Nandini was a consistent performer in the domestic circuit. His ability to bowl at various stages of the game made him a favorite of scouts. Today, he is known as the first Delhi Capitals player to take a hat-trick in WPL history and the first player to take a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick in the same match in the league.
Early life and the road to WPL
Nandi’s journey began in the cricket-loving streets of Chandigarh. Growing up in a sports-loving family, he started playing in a local club at the age of 10. His discipline and natural athletic ability soon saw him rise through the ranks, representing the athlete. Chandigarh Women and finally Northern zone team in inter-zonal competitions.
His path was not without obstacles. Interestingly, he had earlier attended trials for Gujarat Giants in WPL Season 2 but failed to land a contract. Instead of getting discouraged, he returned to domestic affairs, captaining the Chandigarh 2025 senior team and making a strong impression at the NCA Emerging Camp in Bengaluru. That tenacity paid off when he caught the attention of the Delhi Capitals think tank.
WPL 2026 Auction signing and on-field performance
The 2026 WPL Auction was a turning point for the Chandigarh pacer. Delhi Capitals bought Nandini for a base price of INR 20 Lakh. was one of the lesser-priced buys in a star-studded lineup that included legends like Marizanne Kapphis on-field value has already far exceeded his price tag.
Nandini made her debut in the season opener Mumbai Indianshe showed his potential by firing Nicola Carey and G. KalimIt ends with the numbers 2/26. However, it was his second outing against Gujarat Giants that cemented his superstar status. In just two matches, he has already risen to the top of the goalscoring list and is currently fighting for the first place. Purple hat with 7 doors in his bag.
A historic hat-trick against Gujarat Giants
The defining moment of the WPL 2026 season so far has come in the 20th over of Gujarat Giants’ innings. The giants were advancing in a powerful mass Sophie Devine95. Nandini, who had earlier taken the crucial wicket of Devi, was bowled over by the captain. Rodrogue.
What followed was pure cricketing theatre. After a few quiet balls, Nandini delivered a masterclass in death bowling:
- Third ball: He fired Kashvee Gautam to start collapsing.
- Fourth ball: A smarter ball was fooled Kanika AhujaBeing stuped when trying to hit a big one.
- Fifth ball (hat trick): He cleaned it Rajeshwari Gayakwad with a delivery that splits the middle stump.
- Sixth ball: For good measure, he’s trapped Renuka Singh Thakur LBW completes the rare ‘four wickets in five balls’ sequence.
He finished with breathtaking figures of 5/33, making him the fourth bowler in WPL history to claim a hat-trick and joining elite company. Issy Wong, Deepti Sharmaand Grace Harris.
Also WATCH: Nandini Sharma takes a sensational hat-trick in WPL 2026
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
