Who is Uma Kashvi? The youngest player to be signed in WPL history

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction in Kochi produced a historic moment when Delhi Capitals (DC) signed 15-year-old Uma Kashvi for ₹10 lakh. The Karnataka all-rounder became the youngest player ever to secure a WPL contract at 15 years and 202 days, surpassing the previous record held by Deeya Yadav, who was 16 when Delhi Capitals picked her at the 2026 auction.

Kashvi’s selection marks another important milestone in her early cricketing career. Having progressed through Karnataka’s age-group teams and represented India Under-19, she has already shown she can contribute with both bat and ball. Her move to Delhi Capitals will allow her to learn from experienced players and develop her skills in a professional franchise environment.

Who is Uma Kashvi?

Born on April 9, 2011, Kashvi is a right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner from Karnataka. She came into the spotlight through her performances in age-group cricket and earned an opportunity to represent India Under-19 during the series against Sri Lanka in June and July 2026. Kashvi picked up four wickets in three T20 matches and another two wickets across two one-day games against Sri Lanka.

She has also captained Karnataka’s Under-15 team and represented Bengaluru Blasters in the Maharani Trophy, Karnataka’s women’s T20 competition. Her all-round abilities and junior-level performances drew attention from WPL franchises. Delhi Capitals eventually secured her services at the base price of ₹10 lakh, with no rival bids reported during the auction.

Her record-breaking performances in age-group cricket

Kashvi’s batting performances in the 2025-26 BCCI Women’s Under-15 One-Day Trophy established her as one of the most promising young players in Karnataka cricket. She scored 516 runs at an average of 172, finishing as one of the tournament’s standout batters.

One of her most impressive innings came against Manipur on January 10, 2026, when she smashed an unbeaten 158 off just 66 deliveries, hitting 23 fours and seven sixes. Her knock helped Karnataka post 321/5 in 35 overs, and the team went on to win the match by 275 runs.

She has also demonstrated her ability to make an impact with the ball. In Karnataka’s Under-19 T20 Trophy quarter-final against Vidarbha on October 22, 2026, Kashvi returned figures of 3/18 in four overs and contributed 11 runs with the bat. Her performance helped Karnataka defend 140/7 and secure a six-run victory, earning her the Player of the Match award.

Kashvi’s uncle supported her cricketing journey

Behind Kashvi’s rise is the support of her uncle, Vijay, who recognised her talent when she was around seven years old and took an active role in her development. He eventually left his full-time IT job to dedicate more time to her cricketing journey, travelling extensively to support her training and matches.

Vijay focused on improving her fitness, batting technique and discipline from an early age. He recalled conducting regular throwdown sessions to help her develop her game, with daily practice sometimes involving around 180 balls and extensive sidearm bowling.

Kashvi’s mother, Vijitha, has also played an important role in supporting her ambitions. Despite working in the IT sector, she regularly attended matches and even managed work commitments from cricket grounds. The family’s commitment helped Kashvi progress through the Karnataka age-group system while continuing her education.

What Delhi Capitals said about Kashvi?

Delhi Capitals head coach Jonathan Batty revealed that the franchise had been tracking Kashvi’s progress for some time before signing her at the WPL 2027 auction. The team’s scouting network had watched her performances extensively, and the coaching staff believes she has considerable potential.

“She has been on our radar for a little while. Our scouts have watched her play extensively and shared some incredible feedback, and I have seen her play as well. We believe she could become an absolute superstar in the future. At 15, she is very much a work in progress, and we are not expecting her to be the finished article just yet. This is a long-term project for Delhi Capitals,” Batty said.

The coach also stressed that Delhi Capitals view the signing as a long-term investment rather than expecting immediate results from the 15-year-old. The franchise hopes that training alongside international players and working with its coaching staff will help Kashvi improve her game and prepare for senior-level cricket.

Also READ: Who is Niki Prasad? From U19 glory to India call-up, the story of a rising star

Will Uma Kashvi play in WPL 2027?

Kashvi’s participation in the upcoming WPL season could depend on her commitments with India’s Under-19 team. The ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh and Nepal from January 21 to February 6, 2027, overlapping with the WPL window.

If she is involved in India’s World Cup campaign, her availability for Delhi Capitals could be affected. Nevertheless, securing a WPL contract at such a young age is a significant step in her development, offering her access to elite coaching, experienced teammates and a professional cricketing environment.

Kashvi’s journey has already included age-group records, domestic success and junior international appearances. Her signing by Delhi Capitals adds another milestone, and the franchise will hope to help the young all-rounder fulfil her potential in the years ahead.

Also READ: WPL 2027 auction: Full list of sold players with their prices ft. Sophie Molineux, Kiran Navgire

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.