Pooja Shah

Pooja Shah, born on 29th December 2005, has swiftly etched her name into the annals of cricketing history with her prowess as a bowler. Her journey began in the bustling suburbs of Mumbai, where her love for cricket was nurtured by weekend matches on dusty, makeshift pitches. It was here that Shah's innate talent for fast-medium bowling was first noticed by local coaches, who encouraged her to pursue the sport more seriously.

At just 12 years old, Pooja joined a local club, where her dedication and work ethic caught the eye of state selectors. By 15, she was representing Maharashtra in age-group tournaments. Her break came when she bagged a five-wicket haul in a crucial under-19 final, displaying a maturity in her line and length that belied her age. This performance paved her way into the national reckoning, leading to her professional debut for India in an international T20 match against South Africa at the age of 17.

Shah's impact has been nothing short of sensational. Her tactical mind and ability to swing the ball both ways have made her a formidable opponent on any pitch. Pooja's right-arm fast-medium deliveries, coupled with her deceptively quick yorkers, have rattled even the most seasoned batters. Her early-career highlight came during a Test series against England, where she took three consecutive five-wicket hauls—an achievement that placed her firmly among the elite.

One of the most memorable matches that showcased Pooja's indomitable spirit was the heated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Faced with a daunting target, her spell of 4 for 22 helped India clinch a narrow victory, solidifying her reputation as a game-changer.

Pooja Shah’s rivalry with England's Sarah Williams has captured fans' imaginations. The duo's confrontations on the field are now legendary, with each seeking to outmatch the other. Their battles have added a compelling chapter to India-England cricket relations.

Although primarily a bowler, Shah is no slouch with the bat. Her right-hand batting style, characterised by a cautious approach mixed with occasional aggression, has added crucial runs at the tail end of many innings. Reflecting on her journey, Pooja Shah’s story is one of talent fuelled by perseverance and dedication, inspiring a generation to dream beyond boundaries and proving that age is no barrier when the spirit is willing.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats