Sometimes, a single spell is enough to change how a player is seen forever. On January 11, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Nandani Sharma delivered one such unforgettable performance that turned heads across the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The young medium-pacer from Chandigarh produced a magical bowling display against Gujarat Giants, picking up five wickets, including a dramatic hat-trick, and etching her name into the tournament’s history.
Although her team narrowly lost a high-scoring thriller, Nandani Sharma’s impact stood out. She ended the night as the Purple Cap holder after ripping through Gujarat’s batting order with figures of 5 for 33. Her spell became even more special as she became only the second Indian bowler in the WPL history to claim three wickets in three balls. Before her, only a handful of players had managed a hat-trick in the league, making her achievement even more remarkable.
Nandani Sharma’s effort came in two striking phases. She first made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Sophie Devine, who was just five runs short of a century. Then when Gujarat were pushing hard in the final over, she returned with ice-cold composure and dismantled the lower order, taking four wickets in that over alone. The final three batters fell to consecutive deliveries, sealing her place among elite company alongside Deepti Sharma, Issy Wong and Grace Harris.
Her journey to this moment has been steady rather than flashy. Representing Chandigarh in domestic cricket, Nandani Sharma has captained her state side and played for North Zone. Picked up by Delhi Capitals for a modest sum at the auction, she made her WPL debut earlier in the season against Mumbai Indians where she showed promise with a tidy spell.
Gujarat skipper Ashleigh Gardner fought hard with a quickfire 49 and Sophie Devine had earlier attacked the bowling with confidence. Yet, when it mattered most, Nandani Sharma found something extra. In a tournament full of stars, her performance proved that new heroes can rise at any moment, even on a losing night.
