Young fast bowler Nandni Sharma has opened up on the emotional moment she learned about her maiden India call-up, describing her selection for the upcoming T20I series against England and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as nothing less than a “dream come true”. The Chandigarh pacer, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) earlier this year, admitted that the feeling of officially becoming an India cricketer only truly sank in after she stepped onto the field in the tour game against the ECB Development Women’s XI.
Nandni was among the standout performers in the WPL, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker in her debut season for Delhi Capitals with 17 wickets. Her remarkable campaign included a stunning hat-trick as part of a memorable five-wicket haul, performances that quickly pushed her into national selection conversations.
Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI on social media, the young pacer recalled the emotional conversation she had with her family after hearing the news. “I ca lled my family first. They asked me why I was crying. Then I told them I had been named in the World Cup squad,” Nandni Sharma said. “It has been like a dream come true. When I played the practice match, it really hit me that I had made it to Team India,” she added.
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Nandni also spoke about the unforgettable experience of wearing the India jersey for the first time. The fast bowler revealed she spent several minutes simply looking at herself in the mirror, trying to absorb the magnitude of the moment after years of hard work and sacrifice.
A feeling beyond words 🥹
A jersey worn with sheer joy and pride 🇮🇳Nandni Sharma is living the dream and truly loving it 🙌
🎥 She tells us all about it in 𝙉𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙣𝙞’𝙨 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝘿𝙖𝙬𝙣 ✨ – By @jigsactin #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/YmPY0v10cq
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 28, 2026
“When I wore this jersey for the first time, I stood in front of the mirror for two or three minutes. I had worked so hard for this moment. I even kept turning around to see how I looked. It was a very special feeling that I can’t properly explain,” she said.
The 21-year-old admitted that she was completely unprepared when her name appeared in the squad announcement for both the England tour and the Women’s T20 World Cup.
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“I wasn’t even paying attention during the announcement because I never thought it would happen so soon,” Nandni Sharma revealed. “Then one of my friends called me and told me I was in the World Cup squad. I checked again because I couldn’t believe it. After that, I video-called my family and I started crying again,” she added.
When it’s your first-ever official shoot and the team keeps the vibes unmatched 🙌
🎥 BTS from #TeamIndia‘s photoshoot ahead of the #ENGvIND T20I series 📸 pic.twitter.com/xvAlA908Vz
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) May 28, 2026
Nandni Sharma said her father reminded her that the achievement was the result of years of dedication and encouraged her to continue working hard, while her mother was overwhelmed with happiness. Reflecting on her rapid rise over the last few months, Nandni admitted that success and setbacks, including injuries, have helped her mature as a cricketer and as a person.
“A lot has changed in the last six or seven months. I have learned how important it is to stay grounded after achieving something,” she said. She also credited the Women’s Premier League for transforming her confidence and helping her grow under pressure at the highest level.
“The WPL has changed my life in a very positive way. It has given me confidence and taught me a lot. Now I have more responsibility, and I want to make the most of every opportunity I get for my team and my country,” Nandni signed off.
