Virat Kohli Praises Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh Power-Hitting Prowess
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The Rise of India’s Young Power-Hitters
In the evolving landscape of international cricket, few players have captured the imagination of fans and legends alike quite like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Both young stalwarts of the Indian Women’s cricket setup have earned widespread acclaim for their extraordinary ability to clear the ropes and dominate bowling attacks. Their rapid ascent, which began before they had even reached legal adulthood, serves as a testament to the immense talent pool currently fueling the Indian national team.
An Early Entrance into the Global Spotlight
The journey for both Shafali and Richa has been nothing short of meteoric. Shafali Verma burst onto the international scene at the tender age of 15 in 2019, quickly establishing herself as an aggressive opener. Her peer, Richa Ghosh, followed closely behind, making her international debut at 16. Despite their youth, they demonstrated maturity and composure that belied their age, eventually leading the Indian side to victory in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 World Cup in 2023 under Verma’s captaincy.
Their success has extended beyond the international stage into the franchise circuit. Richa Ghosh has solidified her reputation as a two-time Women’s Premier League (WPL) champion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Shafali Verma remains a vital force for the Delhi Capitals, a team that has consistently remained at the top of the WPL table.
Virat Kohli‘s High Praise
During a candid appearance on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli did not hold back his appreciation for these two dynamos. Recalling his first experience watching Shafali bat in Perth during the T20 World Cup in Australia, Kohli expressed genuine amazement at her power.
“When I saw Shafali play in Perth, I was amazed, because I have also played in that stadium,” Kohli noted. “She was hitting the ball into the stands, and far. I was like, this is unreal. The kind of power and confidence she possesses is extraordinary.”
Kohli extended this praise to include Richa Ghosh as well, emphasizing that their ball-striking capabilities transcend gender barriers. “It is like you know, any top-tier finisher or explosive batter in the game across both genders. I am not just confining it to women’s cricket, but the ability you can see is shining through,” he added.
The Impact of the WPL
Beyond individual talent, Kohli acknowledged the structural shift occurring within the sport. He credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for bridging the gap between potential and performance, providing players with the necessary exposure to elevate the standard of Indian cricket. “There is an amazing rise in standard that is happening in Indian cricket, and predominantly, I would say that a large contribution to that is the exposure which WPL has given to the players,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England, both Verma and Ghosh remain central figures in India’s campaign. The team is currently preparing for a three-match T20I series against England, providing a critical lead-up to the marquee event.
Simultaneously, Virat Kohli continues his own remarkable form in the 2026 IPL. With 484 runs in 12 matches, he currently ranks third on the Orange Cap list. Boasting a strike rate of 165, which includes three fifties and a century, Kohli’s own resurgence mirrors the intensity and explosive style he so admires in the rising stars of the women’s game. As the sport continues to evolve, the performances of players like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh ensure that the future of Indian cricket remains in safe and powerful hands.
