Bharti Fulmali is a name that women’s cricket fans in India have grown to admire for her determination, power-hitting skills, and relentless spirit.
Born in Amravati, Maharashtra, Bharti has carved her niche in domestic cricket and succeeded in earning T20 International caps and a coveted spot in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). From humble beginnings to smashing boundaries in top-tier tournaments, her journey is both inspiring and motivational.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Bharti Shrikrushna Fulmali
- Stage Name: Bharti Fulmali
- Born: October 11, 1994
- Age: 31 (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Cricketer (Batter)
Early Life and Background
Bharti Shrikrushna Fulmali was born on October 11, 1994, in Amravati, Maharashtra, India. Growing up in a region where women’s cricket lacked significant visibility compared to bigger Indian cities, she discovered her passion for cricket at a young age. Cricket wasn’t just a sport to Bharti—it became her ambition and life’s calling.
Cricket enthusiasts often talk about how Bharti began playing cricket around age 13, showcasing her natural affinity for the bat early on. She went through local and school-level tournaments before making her way into higher age-group teams. Her family supported her aspirations despite societal challenges, and she continued to develop her game in local academies and club setups.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Vidarbha Cricket
Bharti’s first break in senior-level cricket came when she debuted for the Vidarbha Women’s cricket team at the age of 17. From there, she climbed steadily through the ranks by consistently performing in domestic matches. Her aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly made her a valuable player in the team.
In the 2018–19 Senior Women’s Challenger Trophy, Bharti represented India Blue Women and stood out as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament—an achievement that showcased her potential on a bigger stage.
Dominant Performances
Domestic fans still remember Bharti’s memorable innings of 161 in a Vidarbha Cricket Association Women’s One Day League match*, where she scored a big century, featuring aggressive boundaries and commanding stroke play. This standout performance further solidified her reputation as a batter with the ability to dominate bowlers.
International Career with India
Bharti’s consistent domestic success earned her a national call-up. In February 2019, she was selected for the India Women’s T20 International squad for the series against England Women. She made her WT20I debut on March 7, 2019, in Guwahati. Although her international career consisted of just two T20I matches, playing at that level was a significant milestone.
In those games, she scored a total of 23 runs with a highest score of 18. While she didn’t get more opportunities after that series, her international exposure helped enhance her profile and experience.
Women’s Premier League (WPL) Journey
Gujarat Giants and WPL Debut
The introduction of the Women’s Premier League in India was a game-changer for many female cricketers, and Bharti was no exception. She joined the Gujarat Giants Women (GGW) squad initially as an injury replacement for Harleen Deol in WPL 2024, impressing with her fearless batting and match awareness.
Standout Moments
One of Bharti’s most talked-about performances came in WPL 2025, where she scored an unbeaten 40 runs off 29 balls against the Delhi Capitals Women, displaying her power-hitting credentials even from the lower middle order.
WPL 2026 Auction & Retention
In the WPL 2026 mega auction, Bharti’s growing value was evident when the Gujarat Giants retained her contract for INR 70 lakh, using the Right to Match (RTM) card—an indicator of the trust the franchise has in her abilities and future contributions.
She has also earned the nickname “Lady Gayle” among fans for her aggressive style reminiscent of destructive batsmen like Chris Gayle.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bharti Fulmali’s batting is best described as hard-hitting, fearless, and dynamic. As a right-handed batter, she brings energy and aggression to the middle order, with the ability to accelerate the score in crunch situations. While she doesn’t bowl regularly, her primary role is to stabilize and finish innings with impact.
Cricket analysts often praise her ability to clear the boundary with ease and handle high-pressure scenarios, which makes her a valuable asset in T20 formats—especially in franchise cricket like the WPL.
Personal Traits and Inspiration
Off the field, Bharti has often credited her family’s support and early life struggles for shaping her resilient attitude and work ethic. She idolized leaders and players such as MS Dhoni, seeing them as role models in her pursuit of cricketing excellence.
Her story resonates with many aspiring cricketers, especially from non-metro regions of India, who see her success as proof that talent combined with grit can break barriers.
Career Achievements
- Represented India Women in WT20I (2019).
- Second-highest run scorer in Senior Women’s Challenger Trophy (2018–19).
- Retained by Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026 for INR 70 lakh.
- Notable domestic innings, including an unbeaten 161 in VCA League.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Bharti Fulmali?
A: Bharti Fulmali is an Indian women’s cricketer who plays as a right-handed batter and has represented India internationally as well as in domestic and WPL.
Q2: When did Bharti make her international debut?
A: She made her WT20I debut for India on March 7, 2019 against England Women.
Q3: Which teams has she played for?
A: She has played for Vidarbha Women, India Blue Women, and franchise teams including the Gujarat Giants Women in the WPL.
Q4: What is Bharti Fulmali’s nickname?
A: She is often called “Lady Gayle” due to her aggressive batting style.
Q5: What are some of her major achievements?
A: She was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2018–19 Senior Women’s Challenger Trophy and was retained by Gujarat Giants for WPL 2026.
Conclusion
Bharti Fulmali’s journey from local club cricket in Amravati to playing at the highest levels of domestic and international cricket is a testament to her talent, resilience, and sheer determination. Her evolving role in the Women’s Premier League alongside impactful performances continues to inspire young cricketers, especially girls in India, to pursue their dreams relentlessly. As she continues to grow and leave her imprint on the world of cricket, fans eagerly watch for more power-hitting displays and match-winning performances from this Indian star.
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