WPL 2025 Auction: Who is G Kamalini? 16-year-old all-rounder joins Mumbai Indians for Rs 1.6 crore after starring vs Pakistan

Mumbai Indians signed uncapped 16-year-old Tamil Nadu all-rounder G Kamalini for a staggering Rs 1.6 crore in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 mini-auction held in Bengaluru on Sunday. Beginning at a modest base price of Rs 10 lakh, Kamalini became the subject of a heated bidding war between Delhi Capitals (DCW) and Mumbai Indians (MIW), with MI finally clinching the deal.

WHO IS G KAMALINI?

Kamalini, just 16 years old, is one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket, with her recent performances capturing attention nationwide. The TN cricketer was the second-highest scorer in the U-19 Women’s T20 Trophy, amassing 311 runs in eight matches and leading Tamil Nadu to victory in October. Known for her explosive batting, the left-hander smashed 10 sixes during the tournament, showcasing her exceptional power-hitting ability.

Kamalini delivered an outstanding performance in the U-19 tri-series final against South Africa, scoring 79 runs for India ‘B’. This remarkable innings secured her a spot in the Indian squad for the inaugural U-19 Asia Cup 2024 in Malaysia, where she has already made a significant impact. Earlier, Kamalini played a crucial role with a 29-ball 44 in a decisive run chase against Pakistan at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

WPL 2025 Auction Live Updates

Kamalini’s versatility further enhances her value. A left-handed batter and part-time spinner, she has also taken on wicketkeeping duties in various age-group competitions. Her all-round skills make her a key asset, not just for the Mumbai Indians, but also for the Indian U-19 team, which she is expected to represent at the U-19 World Cup next year in Malaysia.

Kamalini wasn’t the only standout for the Mumbai Indians. The franchise also secured South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk for her base price of Rs 30 lakh. De Klerk, a key performer for Royal Challengers Bangalore in WPL 2024, brings valuable international experience to the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side.

West Indies’ big-hitting all-rounder Deandra Dottin and Mumbai batter Simran Shaikh also got large pay cheques in the current WPL 2025 player auction on Sunday. Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz competed fiercely to acquire Deandra, one of only three players with a reserve price of Rs 50 lakh, before the Adani Sportsline-owned franchise signed her for Rs 1.7 crore.

But the biggest news of the auctions thus far has been the agreements for uncapped players like Simran, who was signed by Gujarat Giants for Rs 1.9 crore after beating out Delhi Capitals. Simran, who was with UP Warriorz for WPL 2023, was a member of Mumbai winning Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and of India E team winning Challenger Trophy.

Top Picks in the Auction:
Deandra Dottin – Rs 1.70 crore (Gujarat Giants)
G Kamalini – Rs 1.60 crore (Mumbai Indians)
Nadine de Klerk – Rs 30 lakh (Mumbai Indians)
Simran Shaikh – Rs 1.90 crore (Gujarat Giants)
Nandini Kashyap – Rs 10 lakh (Delhi Capitals)
N Charani – Rs 55 lakh (Delhi Capitals)
Prema Rawat – Rs 1.20 crore (Royal Challengers Bangalore)