The Women’s Premier League 2026 is set to be one of the most exciting seasons in Indian women’s cricket. After India’s historic win at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at home, interest in women’s cricket has surged across the country. Fans are eagerly waiting to see emerging talents shine on the big stage. Among these rising stars, the best young players to watch in WPL 2026 are expected to make a significant impact, bringing energy, skill, and thrilling performances to the league.
Several young cricketers have impressed in domestic cricket, age-group tournaments, and even at the international level. These players now have the chance to shine in the league. Here, we present the top 5 best young players to watch in WPL 2026, based on form, potential, and expected impact.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Best Young Players to Watch in WPL 2026
5. Shree Charani (Delhi Capitals)
Shree Charani, 21, from Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s most talented young bowlers. Known for her calm mindset and ability to take crucial wickets, she has made a mark quickly. Charani made her international debut in 2025 and was part of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup-winning squad. She finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker, showing control against top teams.
Her T20I performances against Sri Lanka were equally impressive, finishing as the joint highest wicket-taker in a 5–0 series win. In the previous WPL season, Charani played only two matches for Delhi Capitals but still took four wickets. Her international experience makes her one of the best young players to watch in WPL 2026.
| Category | Details |
| Age | 21 |
| Role | Left-arm spinner |
| WPL Team 2026 | Delhi Capitals |
| WPL Matches | 2 |
| WPL Wickets | 4 |
| 2025 ODI World Cup | 14 wickets in 9 matches |
| T20I vs Sri Lanka (Home) | 5 wickets |
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4. Gunalan Kamalini (Mumbai Indians)
Gunalan Kamalini, 17, is a young wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu. She recently debuted in T20Is against Sri Lanka. Although her first matches were modest, her talent and fearless approach show she is one of the best young players to watch in WPL 2026.
Mumbai Indians bought her for ₹1.6 crore and retained her for 2026. Her real strength comes from domestic and junior tournaments, including the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 National Championship and India’s Under-19 World Cup win. Kamalini has also been consistent for Tamil Nadu in senior domestic competitions, proving she can handle pressure.
| Category | Details |
| Age | 17 |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| WPL Team 2026 | Mumbai Indians |
| WPL Matches | 9 |
| WPL Runs | 32 |
| U-19 T20 Nationals 2023 | 311 runs in 8 matches |
| U-19 World Cup | 143 runs in 7 matches |
| Senior Women’s T20 Trophy | 297 runs |
3. Deeya Yadav (Delhi Capitals)
Deeya Yadav, 16, is an aggressive batter picked by Delhi Capitals for ₹10 lakh. She has already impressed in domestic cricket and is now among the best young players to watch in WPL 2026. Deeya scored heavily for Haryana in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and improved her strike rate in the Inter Zonal T20 Trophy.
Her top performance came in the Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy Elite, finishing as Haryana’s leading scorer in their championship campaign. In WPL 2026, she will gain valuable experience sharing the dressing room with senior players like Shafali Verma.
| Category | Details |
| Age | 16 |
| Role | Batter |
| WPL Team 2026 | Delhi Capitals |
| Senior Women’s T20 Trophy | 298 runs in 8 innings |
| Strike Rate (Senior T20) | 128 |
| Inter Zonal T20 Trophy | 151 runs in 5 innings |
| U-23 T20 Trophy Elite | 255 runs, SR 139 |
2. Niki Prasad (Delhi Capitals)
At 20, Niki Prasad has shown consistency at multiple levels. She led India Under-19 to World Cup glory, demonstrating leadership and composure under pressure. In WPL, she played crucial cameos for Delhi Capitals last season, impressing experts with her temperament.
Her performance in the Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy Elite was outstanding, finishing among the top scorers. Niki is widely regarded as one of the best young players to watch in WPL 2026, thanks to her balanced skill set and ability to deliver in key situations.
| Category | Details |
| Age | 20 |
| Role | All-rounder |
| WPL Team 2026 | Delhi Capitals |
| WPL Matches | 8 |
| WPL Runs | 78 |
| Best WPL Knock | 35 vs Mumbai Indians |
| U-23 T20 Trophy Elite | 246 runs |
| Average (U-23) | 61.50 |
1. Shweta Sehrawat (UP Warriorz)
Shweta Sehrawat, 21, is the most experienced on this list. Having played in WPL since 2023, she is the only player retained by UP Warriorz for 2026. Her T20 record includes over 1,300 runs, and she has impressed consistently in domestic tournaments.
In the recent Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy Elite, she recorded the best strike rate among top scorers, showcasing her attacking abilities. Shweta is widely regarded as the number one among the best young players to watch in WPL 2026, and WPL 2026 could be her breakout season.
| Category | Details |
| Age | 21 |
| Role | All-rounder |
| WPL Team 2026 | UP Warriorz |
| WPL Matches | 23 |
| WPL Runs | 261 |
| Overall T20 Runs | 1,367 |
| T20 Strike Rate | 117 |
| U-23 T20 Trophy Elite | 210 runs, SR 157.89 |
FAQs
1. Who are the best young players to watch in WPL 2026?
The top young talents include Shree Charani, Gunalan Kamalini, Deeya Yadav, Niki Prasad, and Shweta Sehrawat. These players have shown excellent performances in domestic and international cricket.
2. Why are these players considered the best young players to watch in WPL 2026?
They have consistently performed at age-group, domestic, and international levels. Their potential, skill sets, and ability to handle pressure make them stand out.
3. Which teams will feature these best young players to watch in WPL 2026?
Shree Charani, Deeya Yadav, and Niki Prasad will play for Delhi Capitals. Gunalan Kamalini represents Mumbai Indians, and Shweta Sehrawat plays for UP Warriorz.
4. Can these best young players to watch in WPL 2026 make a big impact in the league?
Yes, all five players are expected to play key roles for their franchises. With their talent and growing experience, they have the potential to deliver breakout performances in WPL 2026.