Virat Kohli Praises Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh Power-Hitting Prowess
The Rising Stars of Indian Cricket
In the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, few players have captured the imagination of fans and peers alike quite like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Both young stalwarts have become synonymous with explosive power-hitting, carving out significant reputations despite their young age. Their journey from teenage sensations to established match-winners has been nothing short of remarkable, drawing praise from none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend, Virat Kohli.
A Rapid Ascent to the International Stage
The trajectory of both Verma and Ghosh is a testament to the depth of talent emerging within the Indian women’s circuit. Shafali Verma burst onto the international scene at the tender age of 15 in 2019, while Richa Ghosh followed shortly after, making her debut as a 16-year-old in 2020. Despite their relative youth, they brought a fearless approach to the crease that quickly set them apart.
Their versatility was further highlighted when both participated in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 World Cup in 2023. Under the captaincy of Verma, the Indian squad clinched the historic title, cementing their roles as leaders for the next generation. Their growth continued at the senior level, contributing to India’s success in the senior Women’s ODI World Cup held on home soil—a tournament where Ghosh played a pivotal role throughout, and Verma provided critical support as an injury replacement.
Kohli’s High Praise for Power-Hitting Ability
During an appearance on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli did not hold back his admiration for the duo’s technical prowess and raw power. Reflecting on his observations, Kohli shared, “You look at talent like Shafali and Richa, you look at them striking the ball, and you are like, ‘Man’. When I saw Shafali play, it was in the T20 World Cup in Australia. She was hitting the ball in the stands, and far. I was amazed, because I have also played in that stadium.”
Kohli’s assessment went beyond mere compliments; he placed them in the upper echelon of power-hitters regardless of gender. “I was like, this is unreal—the kind of power and confidence she has, and Richa as well. Oh my God, it’s like any top-tier finisher or explosive batter in the game across both genders. I am not just confining it to women’s cricket; the ability you can see is shining through,” he added.
The WPL Catalyst
Kohli also emphasized the role of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in the current success of Indian women’s cricket. He noted that the league has provided the necessary exposure to elevate the standards of the domestic game. Richa Ghosh has notably tasted success in the tournament as a two-time WPL champion with RCB, while Shafali Verma continues to be a driving force for the Delhi Capitals, who have consistently challenged for the title.
Looking Toward the T20 World Cup
As the international calendar heats up, both Verma and Ghosh are preparing for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The Indian squad is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against England as a lead-up to the marquee event, providing these power-hitters another opportunity to showcase their form on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli himself continues to lead by example. In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, he has been in scintillating form, amassing 484 runs in 12 matches. With a strike rate of 165, featuring three fifties and a century, Kohli remains a dominant force, proving that he understands the demands of modern-day, high-intensity batting just as well as the young stars he so admires.
The collective rise of players like Verma and Ghosh marks an exciting chapter for Indian cricket, one where the boundaries of what is possible continue to be pushed by the next generation of global superstars.
