Who is Shree Charani? All you need to know about India Women’s emerging left-arm spin talent.
On June 28, a new star rose for India cricket at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Shree Charani, a young left-arm spinner from a small village in Andhra Pradesh, took the field for her first-ever T20 International against England and walked off as a national sensation.
Charani’s dream debut could not have been scripted better. She picked up 4 wickets for just 13 runs in 3.5 overs, playing a key role in India’s thumping 97-run victory over the hosts. With that performance, she became only the second Indian woman to take four wickets on T20I debut, just behind Sravanthi Naidu’s 4/9 back in 2014. For a 20-year-old playing her first international match, it was a statement of intent, and obviously a moment of pride for the entire nation.
But the journey that led Charani to that big day at Trent Bridge was anything but easy.
Humble beginnings in Kadapa
Shree Charani was born in Erramalle, a village in Veerapunayuni Palli mandal of Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. Her father, who works at the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project, had once hoped she would pursue a more traditional sport like badminton. In fact, when she was in Class 6, he encouraged her to try her hand at it.
But Charani was drawn to sports in general as she also played Kho-Kho and excelled in physical activities at school. Slowly, the bat and ball began to take over her attention, and there was no turning back. Her performances in school tournaments caught the eyes of coaches, and she soon moved into the age-group cricket scene in Andhra Pradesh.
From there, she rose steadily, first into the Andhra state team, and then into the India Under-19 squad. As a slow left-arm orthodox bowler with the ability to chip in with the bat, Charani started making a name for herself as a complete cricketer.
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Rising through the ranks
Charani’s big break came when she was picked by Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction for a handsome sum of Rs 55 lakh. It was a sign of belief in her talent and she did not disappoint.
She made an immediate impact in her WPL debut on March 1, 2025, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In that match, she picked up the prized wickets of Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, both in the same over, and finished with 2/18 in a match that Delhi won convincingly.
Charani also featured in the high-pressure WPL final against Mumbai Indians. She showed nerves of steel once again, picking up two important wickets, and ended the tournament with a bowling average of 17.75, further proving her mettle on the big stage.
A special moment and a special message 👌
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 28, 2025
That moment when Sneh Rana presented the T20I cap to Sree Charani 🧢👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/iZwkYt8agO#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @SnehRana15 pic.twitter.com/48zvAqRO32
Making her mark in international cricket
Before her T20I debut, Charani had already played five ODIs for India, earning her cap during the tri-series with Sri Lanka and South Africa in April 2025. Her debut came against Sri Lanka on April 27. In the series, she picked up six wickets in five matches, and though her average was on the higher side at 43.16, she showed glimpses of her potential.
In domestic cricket too, Charani was shining. In the Senior Women’s Multi-day Challenger Trophy held in March 2025, she picked up nine wickets in three matches, including a superb five-wicket haul against India B. These consistent performances built up to her being selected for the England T20I series.
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The magical night in Nottingham
Shree Charani was called in to bowl at a crucial point in the match against England in Nottingham. India had posted a mammoth 210/5, thanks to a convincing 112 by Smriti Mandhana. England needed a strong start, but India struck early. Even then, with Nat Sciver-Brunt holding fort and scoring 66 off 42, the match was far from over.
That’s when Charani stepped up. She dismissed Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell, displaying remarkable control, sharp turn, and fearlessness. Her 4/13 turned the tide firmly in India’s favour and left the English batting in disarray.
India bowled out England and handed them their biggest T20I defeat ever.
Inspiration and future dreams
Charani has often said she looks up to Yuvraj Singh for his fighting spirit and power hitting, and admires Smriti Mandhana for her calm leadership. She now stands shoulder to shoulder with them, building her own legacy.
And at just 20, this is only the beginning.
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