Mon Jan 19 16:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Bharti Fulmali’s WPL Success Fuels India Recall After Seven-Year Hiatus

The Story:
Bharti Fulmali, a middle-order batter for the Gujarat Giants Women (GGW), is finally receiving the recognition she deserves after years of consistent performance in domestic cricket. Her aggressive batting style and ability to perform under pressure have made her a key player in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), justifying her retention by the Gujarat Giants for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Fulmali’s recent performances in the WPL have been instrumental in her recall to the India Women’s team after a seven-year absence.

Fulmali’s journey began at the age of 13, representing Vidarbha at the junior level. After an international debut in March 2019 against England Women that was cut short, she returned to domestic cricket and continued to hone her skills. The WPL provided the platform she needed to shine, leading to an emotional recall to the national team in January 2026.

Key Points:

  • Bharti Fulmali, born on October 11, 1994, is a right-handed middle-order batter for the Gujarat Giants Women (GGW).
  • She made her Senior T20 debut in 2011-12 season and her international debut for India Women in March 2019.
  • After being dropped from the national team, she continued to perform well in domestic cricket, leading to her selection in the WPL by Gujarat Giants in 2024.
  • In the 2025 WPL season, she scored an unbeaten 40 against the Delhi Capitals and 61 off 25 balls against Mumbai Indians Women.
  • Fulmali has been retained by Gujarat Giants for the 2025-26 season and has demonstrated an impressive strike rate of 189.29 in recent matches.
  • She has been recalled to the India T20 squad in January 2026 after a seven-year wait.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context reveals a direct correlation between Bharti Fulmali’s WPL performance and her recall to the Indian national team. The timing of her recall, just days after news of her strong showing in the WPL 2025 and leading into the 2026 season, strongly suggests that her performance in the league directly influenced the selectors’ decision. Her consistent performance and the visibility provided by the WPL were crucial factors in bringing her back into the national spotlight.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is proving to be a significant platform for Indian women cricketers to showcase their talent and gain recognition.
  • Consistent performance at the domestic level and in leagues like the WPL can lead to a resurgence in international careers.
  • Bharti Fulmali’s story is a testament to perseverance and the impact of opportunities like the WPL in shaping careers.
  • The WPL can be a strong platform for comeback stories like Bharti’s.
  • The Indian Women’s Cricket Team selection committee are watching the WPL for talented players.

Impact Analysis:

Bharti Fulmali’s successful comeback and recall to the national team have significant long-term implications for Indian women’s cricket. It reinforces the importance of domestic leagues in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for players who may have been overlooked in the past. Her story will serve as an inspiration to other aspiring cricketers and highlight the value of perseverance and consistent performance. Furthermore, it validates the WPL as a crucial pathway to international recognition, potentially attracting more investment and talent to the league. Fulmali’s return could also inject new energy and experience into the national team, strengthening their batting lineup and overall competitiveness.

Read More

Related News: