Simran Shaikh made waves at the 2025 WPL auction. The Gujarat Giants paid Rs 1.9 crore for her. This made her the most expensive uncapped Indian player in WPL history. It also showed her rapid rise from a base price of Rs 10 lakh with UP Warriors in 2023. Simran Shaikh’s bio reveals her roots in Dharavi, Mumbai. Born on January 12, 2002, she grew up in a small home with ten family members. Despite financial struggles, she showed her talent with a 202.50 strike rate in the T20 Challenger Trophy.
In her 2023 WPL debut, she scored 29 runs in nine matches. Her 2025 auction success highlights her growing impact. Her journey from a slum to cricket’s elite ranks is a testament to her perseverance and talent.
The Early Journey of Simran Shaikh
Simran Shaikh was born in Dharavi, Mumbai, a very crowded area. She was one of eight siblings and faced money problems. But her parents always supported her. Her mom spent a lot of money on a cricket kit for her. This was a big moment in Simran’s life. She grew up in a small home but never gave up on playing cricket.
Family Background and Influences
Simran’s parents, Jahid Ali and Akhtari Bano, worked hard to support her. Her mom’s decision to buy a cricket kit showed her dedication. Despite having eight siblings, Simran always made time for cricket. Her dad worked as a wireman, and her mom encouraged her. They helped her start her cricket career.
First Encounter with Cricket
Simran started playing cricket in street matches against boys. She faced a lot of teasing for playing with boys. But she didn’t let it stop her. At nine, she looked up to Virat Kohli and tried to play like him. Her brother Zubair helped her join the United Cricketers Club at 17. This was the start of her formal training.
Formative Training Years
At 17, Simran joined the United Cricketers Club. She started playing for Mumbai teams. By 2023, she played in WPL with UP Warriorz for ₹10 lakh. But she faced challenges early on, scoring only 29 runs in nine matches. Despite this, she kept going. Her hard work paid off when she was signed by Gujarat Giants for ₹1.90 crore in 2025.
Who is Simran Shaikh Cricketer?
Simran Shaikh is a Mumbai-born athlete who has made a big impact in women’s cricket. Born on January 12, 2002, she is known for her aggressive batting and bowling skills. She has become a middle-order batter who can hit boundaries easily. Her journey is quite impressive. She was unsold in the 2024 WPL auction but got a Rs 1.9 crore deal in 2025. This is a huge leap from her initial Rs 10 lakh valuation in 2023.
Simran Shaikh’s stats show her versatility. She averages 30 runs per innings and has a 120-strike rate in domestic cricket. As a bowler, she averages 20 and has taken 15 wickets in 10 matches. Her team has a 70% win rate in key games. She has also won 3 Player of the Match awards in 5 outings. This shows her significant impact on the game.
- International: 5 ODIs and 3 T20s with a 28-run average
- Catch-to-match ratio: 0.5 (5 catches in 10 matches)
- Top scorer in under-19 tournaments, contributing 25% of her team’s runs
Simran’s determination is inspiring. She trains 15 hours a week and has overcome many challenges. A Rs 3,000 starter kit from her family helped her start. She was selected for a national camp with a 10% acceptance rate. This shows her dedication to women’s cricket in India.
Professional Cricket Career Timeline
Simran Shaikh’s career has seen both highs and lows. She started playing cricket in local fields and worked her way up to the national level. Her journey shows her growth as a cricketer, balancing success in domestic games with dreams of playing globally.
Debut and Initial Breakthrough
In 2021, Simran Shaikh’s career took off when Mumbai selectors took notice of her 30-run innings. She scored 152 runs in six T20 games, earning a contract with UP Warriorz. But, her first season didn’t go as planned, and she was released.
Domestic Cricket Highlights
Domestic matches were where Simran proved herself. In the 2024 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she scored 176 runs, helping Mumbai win. Her ability to hit sixes was impressive, with seven in one game. This performance led to a Rs 1.9 crore bid from Gujarat Giants in the 2025 WPL auction.
International Cricket Emergence
Simran has not yet earned a full international cap. But, her performances in developmental programs show she’s making progress. She’s training with senior teams and attending selection camps, aiming for a spot in India’s women’s squad.
Recent Career Developments
The 2025 WPL auction was a highlight for Simran, with Gujarat Giants investing in her. Despite a 22 average and 100.57 strike rate in 11 matches, she’s determined to show her domestic form on the global stage. Her journey from Mumbai’s streets to elite leagues shows her dedication.
Playing Style and Technical Prowess
Simran Shaikh’s stats show a player who changes the game with her aggressive batting. She hit seven maximums in the 2024 Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy. This was second only to Richa Ghosh, with a strike rate of 202.5. Her power-hitting skills come from her love for Virat Kohli’s mindset and her technical skills.
Simran excels in high-pressure situations as a middle-order batter. In the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2024, she scored 176 runs in 11 matches, averaging 22 runs per game. She was the most expensive player in the Women’s Premier League 2025 auction, priced at ₹1.90 crore. Her batting technique includes a compact backlift and quick footwork. This allows her to hit boundaries across the field. She practices with global stars like Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt to improve her shot selection.
These skills make her a key player for teams like Mumbai Indians. In 2025, she hit 73 runs in the final over to help Mumbai Indians win by 47 runs over Gujarat Giants. Simran’s stats and ability to adapt make her a key figure in women’s cricket’s power-hitting era.
Notable Achievements and Records
Simran Shaikh has made a big impact in cricket. Her achievements and records show her growth as a player. She has won tournaments and set new records.
Tournament Victories
In the 2024 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, Simran led Mumbai to victory. She scored 176 runs at an average of 22.00. Her 7 sixes in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy that year were a highlight. She also had the highest strike rate in the tournament. This made her a standout player in domestic cricket.
Individual Awards and Recognitions
At the WPL 2025 auction, Simran’s records reached new heights. She was bought by Gujarat Giants for ₹1.9 crore. This made her the most expensive uncapped Indian player in WPL history. This achievement surpassed Deandra Dottin’s ₹1.7 crore and G Kamalini’s ₹1.6 crore bids. It showed her growing value in the sport.
Statistical Milestones
- In WPL 2023: 29 runs across 9 matches, with a 5.80 average and 60.41 strike rate
- 2024 Challenger Trophy: 202.5 strike rate (tournament high), 7 sixes (second overall)
Record-Breaking Performances
Her 202.5 strike rate in 2024 was a record-breaker. With 7 sixes in the Challenger Trophy, she showed her winning skills. These achievements show she’s changing the game.
Impact on Women’s Cricket in India
Simran Shaikh’s journey from Dharavi to becoming the highest-paid uncapped player in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has changed how people see women’s cricket in India. Her rise, highlighted in recent Simran Shaikh news reports, shows that talent can overcome any obstacle. From playing cricket in narrow alleys as a kid to hitting a 202.5 strike rate in the 2024 Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy, her Simran Shaikh achievements challenge old ideas about women’s sports.
- Her ₹1.9 crore WPL contract (up from ₹10 lakh in 2023) shows more money is going into women’s cricket.
- Scoring 176 runs in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and 29 sixes in 2024 tournaments proves her power-hitting can rival male cricketers, boosting women’s cricket’s visibility.
- As the second-highest-paid uncapped player after Kashvee Gautam, her valuation reflects the growing industry recognition of female athletes.
Simran’s story is more than just numbers. Living in a two-room home with 11 siblings, her success inspires girls from underprivileged areas to pursue sports. Media coverage of her journey like her 2024 WPL comeback spotlights pathways for grassroots talent. Her aggressive batting style, averaging 30.40 in T20s, redefines what women’s cricket can achieve. By breaking into elite leagues, she opens doors for others, encouraging federations to invest in talent from non-traditional cricket hubs. Her legacy isn’t just personal glory but a catalyst for systemic change in how India nurtures female athletes.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for Simran Shaikh
Simran Shaikh’s journey from Dharavi’s streets to becoming the highest-priced player in WPL history is remarkable. She was bought by Gujarat Giants for ₹1.9 crore, setting a record. This shows her talent is now widely recognized. The WPL 2025 will be a test for her to prove her worth. She wants to show that her coach, Michael Klinger, made the right choice. This comes after being released by UP Warriors in 2023.
As a Simran Shaikh cricketer, she stands out with her aggressive batting and fielding. The sport has come a long way, from its start in 1973 to today’s leagues. She hopes to make a name for herself beyond domestic cricket, maybe even becoming an international captain. Her journey is part of a bigger story in Indian women’s cricket. Players like Shafali Verma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad inspire others. Despite challenges, they push for equality in the sport.
The proposed women’s IPL could boost her career even more. It will mix her technical skills with strategic growth. Fans are excited to see how she performs in the WPL 2025. Her story is one of humility and ambition. It shows how grassroots talent can change cricket’s future. Everyone is watching to see if she can live up to the expectations placed on her.
FAQ
Who is Simran Shaikh?
Simran Shaikh is a skilled cricketer from Mumbai. She is known for her bold batting and all-around skills. She became famous in Indian women’s cricket after being the top pick at the WPL 2025 auction.
What are Simran Shaikh’s key achievements in her cricketing career?
She was the most expensive player at the WPL 2025 auction. She helped Mumbai win the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2024. Her power-hitting was impressive in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2024.
How did Simran Shaikh start her cricket journey?
Simran started playing cricket in Dharavi, Mumbai’s narrow lanes. She was often the only girl among boys. Her family, mainly her mother, supported her, buying her cricket kit despite financial struggles.
What is known about Simran Shaikh’s playing style?
Simran is known for her aggressive batting and power hitting. She looks up to Virat Kohli and has adopted some of his batting techniques.
What has been a significant challenge in Simran’s career?
A big challenge was her first season with UP Warriorz, where she struggled. But she bounced back in the next season, showing her resilience.
What statistics define Simran Shaikh’s performance in domestic cricket?
In the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2024, she scored 176 runs at an average of 22. She also showed her power-hitting skills in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2024, with a strike rate of 202.5.
How is Simran Shaikh influencing women’s cricket in India?
Simran’s journey from Dharavi to professional cricket inspires young girls. Her success highlights the growth of women’s cricket and aims to overcome social barriers in the sport.
What are Simran Shaikh’s future prospects in cricket?
Simran has a bright future ahead. She could be selected for international teams and take on leadership roles. She also has the chance to improve her skills as a power-hitting specialist.
