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

A New Era of Power-Hitting

In the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, few players have captured the imagination of fans and legends alike quite like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart Virat Kohli took a moment to share his profound admiration for these two young dynamos, whose ability to strike the ball with ferocity has set a new benchmark in the women’s game.

Despite being only 22 years old, both Verma and Ghosh have already established themselves as formidable power-hitters. Their journey into the international limelight began at incredibly young ages—Verma debuted for India at just 15 in 2019, while Ghosh followed suit at 16 the following year. Their precocious talent was further highlighted when they represented India in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 World Cup in 2023, where Verma captained the side to a historic title victory.

Kohli’s Professional Appreciation

Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli recalled the exact moment he realized the special nature of Shafali Verma’s talent. Watching her play during the T20 World Cup in Australia, Kohli was struck by the raw power she displayed in Perth. As someone who has played extensively at that venue, Kohli noted the difficulty of clearing the boundaries there, yet Verma made it look effortless. ‘She was hitting the ball into the stands, and far,’ Kohli remarked. ‘The kind of power and confidence she has is unreal.’

Kohli’s praise was not limited to Verma; he expressed equal amazement at Richa Ghosh’s finishing abilities. He emphasized that their technical and physical aptitude is comparable to the best in the game, regardless of gender. ‘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 WPL Catalyst

Kohli attributed much of this rapid development in the women’s game to the transformative impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The increased exposure and professional environment provided by the tournament have allowed players to refine their skills against international-standard bowling and fielding. As a two-time WPL champion with RCB, Richa Ghosh has thrived in this environment, while Shafali Verma continues to serve as a pivotal figure for the Delhi Capitals.

The standard of cricket in India is clearly on an upward trajectory, and players like Verma and Ghosh are at the forefront of this movement. Their domestic successes have translated seamlessly to the international stage, with both players having contributed to India’s recent triumph in the senior Women’s ODI World Cup held on home soil.

Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup Aspirations

As the international calendar intensifies, both Verma and Ghosh are preparing for a major challenge. The duo will feature for India in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup held in England next month. In preparation for this high-stakes event, the Indian squad is set to compete in a three-match T20I series against England, providing an ideal platform for these power-hitters to fine-tune their game.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli continues to demonstrate his own longevity and form in the IPL 2026 season. With 484 runs in 12 matches, including three fifties and a century, Kohli remains a pillar of consistency for RCB. His strike rate of 165 reflects his ongoing commitment to aggressive, modern-day batting—an approach he clearly recognizes and respects in the rising generation of Indian stars.

The recognition of Verma and Ghosh by a modern icon like Kohli serves as a powerful testament to their hard work and natural talent. As they continue to represent India on the world stage, their trajectory will undoubtedly remain one of the most exciting narratives in cricket.