Bharti Fulmali on T20I Comeback: “It’s What I Had Been Waiting For”
Gujarat Giants star credits WPL performances and disciplined training for India recall after seven years
India, Jan 26 : After a seven year gap from the national team, Bharti Fulmali is finally set to don the Indian jersey again for the upcoming T20I series in Australia. The big hitting middle order batter from Amravati made her India T20I debut in 2019 against England, but early appearances yielded modest returns, and she was subsequently left out.
Speaking to IANS, Bharti recalled the moment she learned of her recall: “We just landed in Vadodara after the WPL 2026 leg, and my teammates congratulated me. I didn’t even know the squad had been announced yet. This is what I had been waiting for, and it feels stupendous.”
Her national comeback comes on the back of exceptional performances in the ongoing WPL, where she has scored 111 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 163.23 for Gujarat Giants. Last season, she amassed 133 runs at 172.72, marking a significant improvement from her 2024 stats.
Bharti credits the WPL and Gujarat Giants for providing her the platform and confidence to elevate her game. “The Giants gave me opportunities to perform, and I made the most of them. My cricket has transformed a lot since joining the league,” she said.
A conscious reinvention helped her develop as a finisher, a role she has embraced in both domestic and international setups. Training under Gujarat Giants coaches Michael Klinger and Dan Marsh, Bharti focused on power-hitting and match-simulation drills, including innovative methods like batting against tennis balls to sharpen technique.
Her calm approach under pressure draws inspiration from MS Dhoni, whom she admires for finishing games decisively. “Watching Dhoni sir play inspired me to stay calm and focus on my process. That mindset helps me perform under pressure,” she explained.
Bharti also acknowledges her support system at home in Amravati. From her father, who first introduced her to cricket, to her childhood coach Sandeep Gawande, their guidance has been pivotal. “Their love and support have been instrumental in my journey,” she said.
Known affectionately as ‘Lady Gayle’ for her big-hitting prowess, Bharti’s focus remains on helping her team succeed and inspiring the next generation. “As a woman, you face challenges, but you have to accept them and work hard. Do what you love, and the results will come,” she advised young cricketers.
With the WPL playoffs approaching and the T20I series in Australia on the horizon, Bharti Fulmali’s journey from a long hiatus to national recall underscores her perseverance, discipline, and evolution into a key finisher for Indian women’s cricket.
