Virat Kohli Praises Power-Hitting Talents of Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh
A New Era of Power-Hitting
In the rapidly evolving landscape of international cricket, few players have captured the imagination quite like India’s young stalwarts, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Their ascent to the top of the game has been nothing short of meteoric, and they have recently earned the highest praise from none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend Virat Kohli.
Kohli, known for his own technical precision and high-intensity approach to batting, recently appeared on the RCB Podcast to discuss the shifting standards of the sport. He specifically pointed to Verma and Ghosh as prime examples of the modern, fearless cricketer who is redefining how the game is played.
Unmatched Striking Ability
Reflecting on his observations of their play, Kohli noted the raw power both women possess. He recalled watching Shafali Verma during the T20 World Cup in Australia, specifically her performance in Perth. Having played at that venue himself, Kohli expressed genuine amazement at her ability to clear the boundaries with such ease. It wasn’t just the distance that impressed him, but the confidence with which she approached one of the most challenging stadiums in the world.
“You look at talent like Shafali and Richa, you look at them striking the ball, and you’re like ‘Man.’ When I saw Shafali play in Perth, I was amazed. She was hitting the ball into the stands, and far. It is unreal, the kind of power and confidence she has. And Richa as well—it is like watching any top-tier finisher or explosive batter in the game across both genders,” Kohli remarked.
Rising Through the Ranks
The journey of both cricketers is a testament to their resilience and early development. Remarkably, both Verma and Ghosh made their international debuts before they were legal adults. Verma first represented India at the age of 15 in 2019, while Ghosh followed shortly after as a 16-year-old in 2020. Despite their youth, they have already achieved significant milestones, including success at the inaugural Women’s Under-19 World Cup in 2023, where Verma led the side to a historic title victory.
Their professional paths have also been intertwined with the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Richa Ghosh has solidified her status as a two-time WPL champion with RCB, while Shafali Verma continues to represent the Delhi Capitals, who have consistently challenged for the title throughout the tournament’s history.
The Impact of the WPL
Kohli believes that the professionalization and structural support provided by the WPL have been instrumental in this rise. According to the veteran batter, the exposure and high-pressure environment offered by the league have allowed these players to flourish and adapt to the demands of international cricket much faster than previous generations. This, he argues, has contributed to a higher standard of cricket across the board in India.
Looking Ahead
Both Verma and Ghosh are currently preparing for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The Indian squad will get a vital head start with a three-match T20I series against England, providing the perfect platform for these explosive talents to fine-tune their games before the marquee tournament begins.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli himself continues to lead from the front in the men’s game. During the 2026 IPL season, he has been in vintage form for RCB, tallying 484 runs in 12 matches. With a strike rate of 165, a century, and three fifties to his name, he remains one of the most prolific run-scorers in the tournament, proving that his appreciation for the next generation of power-hitters is matched only by his own enduring passion for the sport.
As the international season intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Verma and Ghosh can bring that “unreal” power to the global stage, further cementing their places as two of the most dangerous batters in the modern era.
