Virat Kohli Praises Power-Hitting Talents of Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh
The Rise of Power-Hitting in Indian Women’s Cricket
The landscape of Indian cricket is evolving rapidly, and at the heart of this transformation are two young sensations: Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend Virat Kohli took the time to express his immense admiration for these two players, specifically highlighting their incredible ability to strike the ball with pure power and precision.
An Extraordinary Trajectory
Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh have defied expectations from a very young age. Both players made their international debuts before even reaching adulthood—Verma stepped onto the global stage at 15 in 2019, while Ghosh followed shortly after at 16. Despite their youth, they have established themselves as vital power-hitters in the Indian lineup.
Their development has been marked by significant milestones, including their participation in the historic 2023 Women’s Under-19 World Cup, where Verma led India to a championship victory. Their progress continued to the senior level, where both were instrumental in India’s triumphant senior Women’s ODI World Cup campaign on home soil.
Kohli’s Professional Appreciation
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli reflected on the impact these players have had on the sport. Recalling his first experience watching Verma play during the T20 World Cup in Australia, Kohli expressed genuine amazement.
“You look at talent like Shafali, Richa, you look at them striking the ball, and you’re like ‘Man’. When I saw Shafali play, it was in the T20 World Cup in Australia. Man, she batted in Perth, and I was amazed, because I have also played in that stadium. She was hitting the ball in the stands, and far. I was like, this is unreal,” Kohli stated.
Kohli did not stop his praise there. He drew comparisons between these young talents and the best finishers in the game, regardless of gender. “It’s 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 WPL Catalyst
Kohli also emphasized the role of infrastructure and exposure in nurturing such raw talent. He attributed a large part of the improved standard of Indian women’s cricket to the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The tournament has provided a platform for these athletes to hone their skills under immense pressure, consistently facing top-tier bowling attacks.
While Richa Ghosh continues to shine as a two-time WPL champion with RCB, Shafali Verma remains a cornerstone for the Delhi Capitals, having consistently performed in the league’s competitive environment.
Looking Ahead
As the international calendar heats up, both Verma and Ghosh are gearing up for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England next month. The team’s preparation includes a rigorous three-match T20I series against England, serving as a vital dress rehearsal for the marquee event. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how these power-hitters will perform on the global stage, armed with the confidence that high-profile players like Kohli have recognized their immense potential.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli continues to exhibit his own form of excellence in the 2026 IPL season. With 484 runs in 12 matches, including a century and three fifties at an impressive strike rate of 165, Kohli remains a dominant force for RCB, proving that the spirit of aggressive, high-quality batting continues to drive the sport forward across all formats and divisions.
