Ayushi Soni (Cricketer)

Ayushi Soni is one of the new names in Indian women’s cricket who has started to make headlines in recent years. Born in Delhi in 2000, she has grown from a young girl with little interest in cricket to a professional player who has represented India and now plays in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Her journey is not only about runs and wickets but also about determination, family support, and breaking barriers in women’s sports.

In January 2026, Ayushi became the first player in WPL history to be “retired out” during a match between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians. While the moment was unusual, it placed her name in record books and brought her into the spotlight. But her story goes far beyond this one incident. From her early struggles with weight to her rise in domestic cricket, Ayushi’s life reflects the challenges and triumphs of many young athletes in India.

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Ayushi Soni Parents, Height, Age, Biography, Stats

Early Life and Background

According to the sources, Ayushi Soni was born to her parents on 30 September 2000 in Delhi, India. She grew up in a joint family where cricket was not always seen as a suitable career for girls. Interestingly, Ayushi herself was not very interested in cricket during her childhood. It was her brother’s passion for the game that slowly inspired her to pick up the bat. Watching him play and practice gave her the first push towards the sport.

At the age of 12, Ayushi joined a cricket academy in Delhi. Her father, who had played cricket at the university level, encouraged her to take the game seriously. He stood by her side even when other family members opposed the idea of a girl pursuing cricket. This support became the foundation of her career. Ayushi’s early days were filled with long practice sessions, balancing school with training, and learning the basics of batting and bowling.

Family and Personal Life

Ayushi comes from a middle-class Hindu family in Delhi. Her father played a key role in shaping her career. He had once been a university-level cricketer, and he understood the importance of discipline and practice. Unlike many others in the joint family, he believed in Ayushi’s talent and stood firm in supporting her dream.

Her mother and brother also played important roles in her journey. Her brother was the first inspiration, and her mother provided emotional support during tough times. Ayushi often speaks about how her father had to face criticism from relatives for allowing her to play cricket. But he never backed down, and this courage gave Ayushi the strength to continue.

Cricket Journey – From Academy to Professional Level

Ayushi’s cricket journey began when she joined a local academy in Delhi at the age of 12. At first, she was not very serious about the game, but her father and coach encouraged her to continue. Slowly, she started to enjoy batting and bowling, and her skills improved with regular practice.

Her first big step came when she was selected for Delhi’s Under-19 team. Playing at this level gave her confidence and exposure to competitive cricket. She later captained Delhi’s Under-23 side, showing leadership qualities at a young age. Ayushi also represented India B, which is a major achievement for any domestic player. One of her memorable early performances was hitting a six against Railways bowler Ekta Bisht in her debut T20 match for Delhi.

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Struggles and Fitness Transformation

Ayushi’s journey was not smooth. In 2017, she faced criticism for being overweight. At that time, she weighed around 80 kg, which affected her performance and confidence. Many people doubted if she could continue in cricket. But Ayushi decided to prove them wrong.

She hired a personal trainer and worked hard on her fitness. Within six months, she lost nearly 20 kg. This transformation was not easy, as it required strict diet control, daily workouts, and mental strength. But Ayushi’s determination helped her achieve her goal. Her improved fitness made her faster on the field and more confident with the bat.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Ayushi has played important roles in domestic cricket for Delhi. She has captained teams, scored runs in pressure situations, and shown leadership qualities. Her selection for India B was a proud moment, as it proved her talent at the national level.

Her international debut came on 23 March 2021, when she played a T20 match against South Africa. Although she did not get many opportunities in the match, the debut itself was a milestone in her career. Representing India is a dream for every cricketer, and Ayushi achieved it at the age of 20.

Historic WPL Moment – First “Retired Out” Player

Ayushi Soni made headlines in January 2026 during the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians, she scored 11 runs off 14 balls. Then, in a surprising move, she was declared “retired out” by the team management.

This was the first time in WPL history that a player was retired out. The decision was taken by coach Michael Klinger as a tactical move to bring in another batter. While unusual, it showed how teams are using new strategies in modern cricket. Ayushi’s name will always be remembered for this moment, as she became part of cricket history.

Playing Style and Stats

Ayushi Soni is a right-handed batter and a right-arm medium bowler. She is known for her aggressive batting style, especially in pressure situations. Her ability to hit boundaries when the team needs them most has made her a valuable player in domestic cricket.

She has represented Delhi in domestic tournaments, captained the Under-23 side, and played for India B. Her international debut came in March 2021 against South Africa in a T20 match. Though she did not get many opportunities in that game, the debut itself was a major achievement.

In the Women’s Premier League, Ayushi plays for Gujarat Giants. Her contract is worth around ₹30 lakh, which shows the growing value of women cricketers in India. Her WPL career is still young, but she has already made history by becoming the first player to be retired out in the league.

Interesting Facts about Ayushi Soni

• She was inspired to play cricket by her brother, who was passionate about the game.
• Her father sacrificed family ties to support her career, standing firm against opposition.
• Ayushi hit a six off Ekta Bisht in her debut T20 match for Delhi, showing her fearless style.
• She balanced academics with cricket by attending school flexibly, thanks to supportive teachers.
• In January 2026, she became the first player in WPL history to be retired out.
• She owns a Royal Enfield Bullet 350, reflecting her love for style and independence.
• Ayushi has multiple tattoos on her left hand, which show her creative side.
• She enjoys Bollywood movies and chatting with friends in her free time.
• Her contract with Gujarat Giants in WPL is worth around ₹30 lakh.
• She is active on social media, where she shares updates about her career and personal life.

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