Women’s Premier League 2025: From Dharavi Streets to WPL’s Costliest Indian Player, Simran Shaikh’s Fairytale Journey to The World of Cricket

Simran Shaikh’s journey from the narrow lanes of Dharavi to becoming the costliest Indian player at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction is a tale of resilience and determination. The 22-year-old, signed by Gujarat Giants for ₹1.9 crore, surpassed expectations with her stunning rise after being unsold last season.

Born on January 12, 2002, in Mumbai, Simran grew up in a family of 10, with her father working as an electrician. She first played cricket at 15, competing with boys in her neighborhood. Her talent shone when she joined the United Club and later represented Mumbai’s U19 women’s team. Recently, Simran showcased her skills during the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, scoring 176 runs in 11 matches with a strike rate of 100.57.

Simran’s potential was recognized early, and she was part of UP Warriorz in WPL 2022, though her performance led to her release before the 2023 season. Undeterred, she worked hard to refine her game, proving herself in domestic leagues, which caught the attention of Gujarat Giants.

Gujarat Giants coach Michael Klinger praised her explosive batting style and remarked:

We were targeting Dottin and Simran. They bring in power and batting at a high strike rate. That often creates a winning culture, so I’m really excited for our first two picks.

Simran now joins West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin, the costliest overseas player at ₹1.7 crore, as Gujarat Giants aim to dominate the league. Her remarkable journey exemplifies how perseverance can turn dreams into reality.