Shree Charani is a rising Indian cricketer, recognized for her left-handed batting and slow left-arm orthodox bowling. Born on August 4, 2004, in Erramalle village, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, she made history as the first woman from the YSR-Kadapa district to be selected for the Indian women’s cricket team at the age of 20. Charani represents Andhra in domestic cricket and plays for the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Early Life and Background
- Charani’s journey began in a small village where sports were a significant part of her upbringing. Initially pushed towards badminton by her father, Chandrasekhar Reddy, a worker at the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project, she also played kho-kho before focusing on cricket.
- Her uncle, Kishore Kumar Reddy, played a key role in supporting her training. Charani cites Smriti Mandhana and Yuvraj Singh as her inspirations.
- Her WPL debut was marked by Jess Jonassen handing her the cap, and she claimed her first WPL wicket by dismissing Ellyse Perry.
Career Highlights
Domestic and WPL Career
- Charani was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹55 lakh in the third WPL auction in December 2024.
- She made an immediate impact in the WPL, taking four wickets in just two matches, which brought her into the national spotlight.
- In March 2025, she achieved her maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket during the Senior Women’s Multi-day Challenger Trophy at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Dehradun.
Internationl Career
- Charani received her maiden call-up to the Indian national team in April 2025 for the ODI Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, debuting against Sri Lanka on April 27, 2025.
- In May 2025, she was named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the series against England.
- She made a sensational T20I debut for India against England at Trent Bridge on June 28, 2025, claiming 4 wickets for just 12 runs in 3.5 overs—the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on T20I debut.
- The 20-year-old left-arm spinner, who received her maiden cap from Sneh Rana, dismantled England’s middle and lower order, helping bowl them out for 113 and securing a commanding 97-run win for India, which was England’s biggest-ever defeat in women’s T20Is.
- Charani’s spell included the wickets of Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell, showcasing her composure and skill on the international stage and marking her as a promising new talent in Indian cricket.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Avg | HS | Wickets | Bowling Avg | BBF |
| WT20 | 8 | 84 | 13.00 | 22 | 10 | 18.50 | 3/22 |
| ODI | 12 | 420 | 35.00 | 112 | 20 | 21.50 | 5/32 |
| First-Class | 5 | 350 | 38.89 | 145 | 15 | 29.33 | 4/56 |
- In her WT20 career, Charani has struck at 131.3, with 14 boundaries and one six.
- She is recognized for her ability to perform under pressure and her contributions with both bat and ball.
Charani continues to be a promising all-rounder, with her early achievements suggesting a bright future for Indian women’s cricket.
