Ayushi Soni made history in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Tuesday, but not the way she would have wanted. The Gujarat Giants player became the first batter ever to be retired out in WPL history during their match against the Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium. Playing her debut WPL match, Ayushi Soni retired after scoring just 11 runs from 14 balls in the 16th over.
This rare dismissal happened when Gujarat Giants needed quick runs, and the team management decided to send in power-hitter Bharti Fulmali instead. While retired-out dismissals are uncommon in women’s cricket, they are becoming more popular in T20 matches worldwide.
Ayushi Soni’s WPL Debut Ends in Historic Retired Out
Making her WPL debut as a replacement for the injured Anushka Sharma, Soni struggled to find rhythm in her 14-ball stay, managing just 11 runs without hitting a single boundary. At the end of the 16th over, with Gujarat positioned at 136 for 5, the team management made the bold call to retire her out.
The decision was made in consultation between head coach Michael Klinger, the batting coach, and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. With only four overs remaining, Gujarat needed an acceleration that Soni was unable to provide.
Bharti Fulmali’s Explosive Cameo After Ayushi Soni Retired Out
The bold move paid off instantly. Bharti Fulmali walked in and launched a fierce attack on Mumbai’s bowlers. She smashed an unbeaten 36 runs from just 15 balls, hitting three boundaries and three sixes. Her partnership with Georgia Wareham added 56 crucial runs, taking Gujarat Giants to 192 for 5.
Gujarat coach Michael Klinger defended the decision after the match. “We knew we had some batters left, and felt after that 16th over, that was the time to inject Bharti with four overs to go,” he explained. Klinger believed the tactical call added around 20 extra runs to their total.
Fulmali’s innings had its own drama. She was given out lbw twice on her first two balls but survived both times through successful DRS reviews.
Coach Michael Klinger Supports Ayushi Soni Despite Tough WPL Debut Decision
Coach Michael Klinger admitted the decision was hard on the young player. “It’s tough on the individual, we’ve spoken to Ayushi and continue to keep the confidence in her,” he said. “Sometimes you’ve got to make those calls.”
Klinger praised Soni’s effort in building the innings with Georgia Wareham. “She did a good job in her first game, going at about a-run-a-ball to help build that phase,” he added. The coach denied any link between the retirement and Soni dropping catches later in the match.
What Ayushi Soni’s Retirement Means for Future WPL Strategy
Ayushi Soni’s retirement marks a new chapter in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 tactics. While Gujarat Giants lost the match, their bold decision shows how teams are willing to take risks for better results. This tactical move proves that women’s T20 cricket is becoming more strategic and professional.
For Soni, this wasn’t the debut she dreamed of, but she has made WPL history. Her name will always be remembered as the first player retired out in the tournament.
Gujarat Giants will aim to bounce back in their next match, while Mumbai Indians stay unbeaten with three wins from three games in WPL 2026. The tournament has already shown that teams are ready to make tough calls to win matches.
