Virat Kohli Praises Power-Hitting Talents of Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh

The Emergence of a New Power-Hitting Era

In the evolving landscape of modern cricket, few names have generated as much excitement as Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Both young stalwarts of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team have carved out reputations as formidable power-hitters, capable of changing the course of a match in mere moments. Their meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, even by the highest echelons of the men’s game, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend Virat Kohli recently singing their praises.

Kohli, known for his own rigorous approach to batting, lauded the duo for their natural flair and physical capability at the crease. Despite both players being only 22 years old, they have already accumulated significant international experience, having made their debuts at a remarkably young age—Verma at 15 in 2019 and Ghosh at 16 in 2020.

A Glimpse into Extraordinary Talent

Reflecting on his observations, Virat Kohli shared his genuine amazement at the power displayed by these young cricketers. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, the former Indian skipper recalled his first impressions of Verma during the T20 World Cup in Australia. “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 like, this is unreal, you know, the kind of power and confidence she has,” Kohli remarked.

The admiration extended to Richa Ghosh, whom Kohli placed in the same elite category. “Oh my God, 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 Impact of the Women’s Premier League

Kohli was quick to point out the structural changes within the sport that have allowed such talents to thrive. According to the RCB star, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been a cornerstone in elevating the standards of the domestic game. “There’s an amazing rise in standard that is happening in Indian cricket, and predominantly, I would say that a large contribution to that is the exposure which WPL has given to the players,” he explained.

The career trajectories of Verma and Ghosh are deeply intertwined with the growth of women’s cricket in India. Verma famously captained the inaugural Under-19 World Cup-winning side in 2023, while both players contributed significantly to India’s historic senior Women’s ODI World Cup victory on home soil. In the club circuit, Richa Ghosh has solidified her status as a two-time WPL champion with RCB, while Shafali Verma continues to be a vital pillar for the Delhi Capitals.

Looking Toward Future Challenges

As the international calendar intensifies, both Verma and Ghosh are gearing up for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England. Their preparation includes a crucial three-match T20I series against the hosts, providing a litmus test for their skills on challenging pitches. With the high level of maturity and tactical awareness they have displayed, the Indian team will rely heavily on their explosive capabilities to navigate the tournament.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli remains in fine form, currently excelling in the 2026 IPL season. With 484 runs in 12 matches, including a century and three half-centuries, Kohli continues to lead by example. His strike rate of 165 reflects a transition toward a more aggressive style of play, a sentiment he clearly appreciates in the younger generation of cricketers like Verma and Ghosh. As the sport continues to grow, it is clear that the mutual respect among India’s elite batters—regardless of gender—is fostering a culture of excellence and high-intensity performance that will define the next chapter of Indian cricket.