ESPNcricinfo Awards 2025 women's debutant of the year: Shree's all that

For a young spinner who missed out on an Under-19 World Cup spot, 2025 was a year of emphatic arrival for N Shree Charani. She announced herself with a stunning 4 for 12 on T20I debut, against England in Nottingham - the second-best figures on debut for India Women - and never looked back. She finished the year with 38 wickets across formats, numbers that only hint at her control and composure.

Charani already bowls like someone far more seasoned. A smooth, high-arm action, quicker trajectory through the air, and the courage to attack in any phase make her a captain's asset. Those traits were on full display during India's World Cup win, where she took 14 wickets - the fourth-highest overall and the second-most by an Indian, behind Deepti Sharma - underlining her ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

Yet what stands out as much as her skill is the temperament. From gully cricket beginnings to thriving on the international stage, Charani's rise has been defined by control and clarity, and this breakout year might only be the start.

Following the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, Charani earned her maiden T20I call-up for the England tour and made an immediate impact. Smriti Mandhana's hundred powered India to 210 for 5, and the spinners completed England's heaviest T20I defeat, with Charani leading the charge. Her 4 for 12 included the wickets of Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt in a statement performance that announced her arrival on the international stage.

20 years, 328 days Charani's age when she became the third-youngest Indian to take four wickets or more in women's T20Is, behind Titas Sadhu (19 years, 98 days) and Radha Yadav (19 years, 314 days)

"We saw what she could do in the WPL a little bit. She was always looking like a really good bowler. But today the way she actually bowled was amazing, as did all the bowlers."
- India stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana after Charani's T20I debut

"She crushed the World Cup. She is the biggest reason for India to win this World Cup. She is going to be a superstar bowler in the future."
- Former India men's spinner R Ashwin

Kranti Gaud
The young fast bowler enjoyed a breakthrough season after earning her international debut as an injury replacement. Left out of the initial England tour longlist in July, she forced her way in after impressing at a skills camp and went on to become the second-youngest Indian woman to take a five-for in ODIs with a sensational 6 for 52 in Chester-le-Street. Known for her nip-backers, yorkers, and ability to hustle batters, Gaud went on to play an important role in India's World Cup-winning team.