Chandigarh: As India gears up to host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup later this year, they'll have some crucial practice during the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, kicking off on April 27.

A standout addition to the Indian squad is 21-year-old all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who is quickly making a name for herself with her talent and bold approach. The Chandigarh native received her first national call-up after an impressive performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with the Gujarat Giants (GG) this year, giving her a chance to gain essential international experience before the World Cup.

“I was playing in the Challengers Trophy in Dehradun when coach Nooshin Al-Khadeer ma’am told me about my selection. It took a moment for it to really hit me. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for over the past couple of years,” Gautam shared with HT.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. I plan to make the most of every opportunity I get and leave a mark,” said Gautam, who became the most expensive uncapped player in the WPL in 2024.

She was signed by GG for ₹2 crore but unfortunately missed the season due to a foot injury.

My life is all about cricket. Unfortunately, I had to rely on crutches for a few days because of an injury. It led to some odd thoughts, but my coach Nagesh Gupta and my family were there to support me. Missing out on the WPL 2 season, which would have marked my debut, was really tough and frustrating.

Later on, I joined the GG camp, where I spent time watching a few matches and soaking up the team spirit. It really boosted my confidence, said Gautam, whose unique combination of pace, swing, and power-hitting sets her apart from others.

Despite being part of the India emerging U-23 Asia Cup-winning team in 2023 and having solid domestic performances, Gautam's career faced a setback due to a toe injury.

India has been on the lookout for a strong medium-pacer since Jhulan Goswami retired and Shikha Pandey's form declined.

Renuka Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, and Pooja Vastrakar have all played for the Indian team since then, but injuries and inconsistent performances have held them back. If Gautam shines in the upcoming tri-series, she could be the one to fill that gap.

Kashvee is an incredibly talented cricketer and a true go-getter. Her ability to swing the ball and her pace set her apart from the competition. She's always active during matches, making her one of the fittest players around. With her impressive fielding, catching, and finishing skills, along with her swing bowling, she’s a complete package,” shared Khyati Gulani, a BCCI level II coach who led the Chandigarh team during the 2019-2020 season and has closely observed Gautam's progress.

In the 2025 season, she played nine matches for GG and took 11 wickets, tying for the highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers alongside Shikha Pandey.

Gautam first gained attention at just 16 when she became the first woman cricketer to achieve a 10-wicket haul against Arunachal Pradesh in an U-19 Plate Group match in Kadapa.

“The WPL experience provided me with a great opportunity to showcase my skills and mindset on the field. I learned a lot from watching seasoned bowlers like South Africa’s Shabnam Ismail make a difference for the Mumbai Indians,” Gautam explained.

She continued, “It was a valuable experience to see how she prepares for matches and the energy she brings. GG's head coach, Michael Klinger, also offered insights that helped enhance my skills.”

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