Virat Kohli Praises Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh Power-Hitting Talent
A Testament to Raw Power
In the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, few players have captured the imagination of fans and legends alike quite like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. The duo, despite their youth, has become synonymous with fearless, high-impact batting. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend Virat Kohli expressed his profound admiration for their ball-striking abilities, placing them among the finest power-hitters in the sport, regardless of gender.
The Rise of Prodigies
Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh have been mainstays in the Indian setup since their teenage years. Shafali burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old in 2019, while Richa followed shortly after, debuting at 16. Their rapid ascent to the international level was matched by their composure, eventually leading India to a historic victory in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 World Cup in 2023, with Shafali at the helm as captain. Their trajectory continued upward as they played pivotal roles in the senior Women’s ODI World Cup victory on home soil.
Kohli’s First-Hand Observation
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Virat Kohli recalled the exact moment he realized the sheer potential of these two athletes. Reflecting on the T20 World Cup in Australia, Kohli shared his amazement at witnessing Shafali’s performance in Perth. “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 admitted. He went on to emphasize that their talent transcends the women’s game, comparing their finishing abilities to the most explosive batters in world cricket.
The WPL Catalyst
Kohli attributed much of this rapid development to the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The exposure provided by the tournament has allowed players to hone their skills against the best in the world. While Richa Ghosh continues to thrive as a two-time WPL champion with RCB, Shafali Verma remains a cornerstone of the Delhi Capitals squad. Kohli noted that the rising standard of Indian cricket is a direct reflection of the infrastructure and competitive environment fostered by the WPL.
Looking Ahead
As the international calendar intensifies, both Verma and Ghosh are gearing up for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The team is currently preparing with a high-stakes three-match T20I series against England, providing the perfect platform for these young stars to demonstrate their growth against world-class opposition. Meanwhile, Kohli continues his own stellar form in the IPL 2026, currently ranking third in the Orange Cap race with 484 runs in 12 matches, including a magnificent century and three half-centuries at an impressive strike rate of 165.
The Future of Indian Cricket
The shared respect between a legend like Kohli and rising stars like Shafali and Richa underscores a unified culture in Indian cricket. Their ability to clear the ropes with ease is not just a display of strength, but a testament to the confidence injected into the younger generation of Indian players. As they head to England, the expectations will be high, but if Kohli’s assessment is anything to go by, these two are more than ready to leave their mark on the global stage once again. The power-hitting revolution is well and truly underway, and at the heart of it are two young women changing the perception of the game with every boundary they strike.
