Ayushi Soni Becomes First WPL Player Retired Out During MI vs GG Match

Ayushi Soni created a rare moment in Women's Premier League history on Tuesday (January 13), becoming the first player to be retired out in the tournament. The 25-year-old Delhi batter made her WPL debut in Gujarat Giants' clash against Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium, but her maiden outing took an unexpected turn when team management opted for a tactical substitution in the 17th over.

Sent in at No. 6, Soni struggled to find rhythm and scored 11 runs from 14 balls, prompting the Giants to pull off an aggressive move by retiring her out just before the death overs. The decision immediately altered the momentum of the innings, as Bharti Fulmali walked in and transformed the game within minutes.

Fulmali began nervously, surviving two consecutive LBW shouts from Amanjot Kaur, but her hesitation vanished quickly. What followed was one of the most impactful cameos of the season. The Vidarbha batter unleashed a counterattacking assault, finishing unbeaten on 36 off only 15 deliveries. Her knock included three boundaries and three towering sixes, lifting the Giants to a formidable 192/5 in their 20 overs.

Soni, a promising right-handed batter from Delhi, was acquired by Gujarat Giants for ₹30 lakh at the WPL 2026 mega auction. Although she has represented India in one T20I-against South Africa in March 2021-she did not bat or bowl in that match. Soni entered the XI against Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Anushka Sharma, who is currently sidelined with an injury. She was part of the now defunct Supernovas team, which competed in the Women's T20 Challenge.