Nandni Sharma trades lawyer, astronaut dreams for maiden India call-up
Nandni Sharma's childhood dreams of becoming a lawyer or astronaut gave way to cricket, a decision now paying off with a maiden India call-up after a standout season for Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League 2026.
Nandni Sharma once dreamed of becoming a lawyer or an astronaut, like many do in childhood. Instead, she chose cricket and is now reaping the rewards. On Saturday, the BCCI named the squads for the Women’s T20 World Cup and the tour of England, where she is set to feature not only in the T20Is but also in the Lord’s Test in July.
The year 2026 has been a breakthrough for Nandni. Earlier, she impressed in her maiden Women’s Premier League campaign with the Delhi Capitals. She claimed a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul in the same match against Gujarat Giants, finishing with 17 wickets in 10 games at an economy rate of 8.31. Nandni admitted that pursuing cricket felt more attainable than becoming a lawyer or astronaut.
“I mean I chose cricket very early in life. But yes, as a child everyone has different dreams, mine were to become a lawyer or an astronaut. But all of that was very difficult, so I couldn’t pursue those, and I continued with cricket instead,” Nandni said at a felicitation ceremony in Chandigarh on Monday.
‘OVERWHELMING FEELING’
Nandni also shared how she and her family reacted to her maiden national call-up. The 24-year-old revealed that she was driving when a friend called to break the news.
“The reaction was very emotional, everyone was overwhelmed, including my family and me. When I found out, I was driving. After that, I pulled over to the side. My friend had called me, and at first I couldn’t believe it. Then I checked it myself and saw that the news was true. After that, it was a very overwhelming feeling,” Nandni added.
Earlier, Jemimah Rodrigues, who led Nandni in the WPL, praised the pacer for her consistency and impact in the WPL, admitting the team didn’t expect such immediate returns. She expressed confidence that India’s experienced setup will nurture her and help her reach her full potential.
India will play a three-match T20I series in England before kicking off their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.