In a landmark moment for Indian women's cricket, teenage prodigy G Kamalini etched her name into the history books this Tuesday. The 16-year-old received her maiden India cap from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, officially becoming the 90th woman to represent India in T20 Internationals. The emotional ceremony marked the start of her senior international career during the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka at Thiruvananthapuram's Greenfield International Stadium.
From Madurai to the National Stage: Kamalini's Early Life
Kamalini Gunalan was born on 20 July 2008 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, into a tightly-knit, supportive family. Her father, Gunalan, runs his own transport business, while her mother, Saranya, has been a constant pillar of support for her sporting ambitions. Kamalini also had a brother named Dominic Kishore, whose memory she honours by wearing his name as the number on her national team jersey.
Her athletic prowess was evident from a young age. Before cricket captured her heart, Kamalini was a recognized state-level skating champion. She picked up a cricket bat at the age of 12, encouraged by her father who spotted her natural talent for the game.
A Meteoric Cricketing Rise and Record-Breaking Feats
A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter who can also bowl handy leg-spin, Kamalini is seen as a multi-format asset. She honed her skills at the Super Kings Cricket Academy in Chennai, receiving dedicated coaching from a young age.
Her breakthrough came through stellar performances in domestic Under-19 cricket, where she scored 311 runs in eight matches. She announced her arrival on the bigger stage by top-scoring with a brilliant 79 in the Under-19 tri-series final for India B against South Africa A. The cricketing world truly took notice during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction, where the Mumbai Indians Women franchise secured her services for a staggering Rs 1.6 crores, making her the league's youngest debutant.
A New Inspiration for a Generation
With her historic international debut and a rapidly growing list of achievements, G Kamalini has already captured the imagination of fans globally. Her skill, adaptability, and remarkable maturity on the field have drawn praise from seasoned players and coaches alike. At just 16, she stands as a powerful inspiration for countless young aspirants dreaming of a career in cricket, proving that with dedication and support, age is just a number on the path to sporting glory.
