From Wilderness to World Stage: Bharti Fulmali's Remarkable Return to India's White-Ball Squad After 6-Year Absence

At 31, when most cricketers see fading hopes, Bharti Fulmali has scripted one of Indian cricket's most extraordinary comebacks. The power-hitter's selection in India's white-ball squads for the Australia tour marks her first international call-up since 2019, ending a six-year exile through sheer weight of WPL performances. As Harmanpreet Kaur's team prepares for their first 50-over contests since becoming world champions, Fulmali's return adds explosive firepower to India's quest for a historic first white-ball series win on Australian soil.

The Long Road Back

Fulmali's journey reads like a manual on sporting perseverance. Last seen in India colors during the 2019 season, the Maharashtra batter disappeared from national reckoning as younger talents grabbed limited middle-order slots. While stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana dominated headlines, Fulmali quietly rebuilt her game in domestic circuits - waiting for the breakthrough moment that nearly didn't come.

The 2026 Women's Premier League became her salvation. Playing with renewed aggression, Fulmali transformed into a finisher capable of dismantling pace attacks - precisely the skill India lacked during recent global tournaments. Selectors took note when her strike rates soared above 135 against top-quality bowling, proving she could accelerate when games hung in balance.

WPL: The Comeback Catalyst

Modern cricket careers are increasingly made in franchise leagues, and Fulmali's case proves the WPL's growing influence on national selections. Unlike traditional recall paths through domestic tournaments, her blistering cameos against international stars provided undeniable evidence of readiness for the highest level.

This tournament-triggered selection mirrors men's cricket trends where IPL performances frequently decide India call-ups. Fulmali's power-hitting against world-class Australian and English bowlers during pressure situations demonstrated qualities India desperately need ahead of their Australian challenge - particularly in T20Is where her role becomes crucial.

Squad Dynamics: Experience Meets X-Factor

Fulmali's return headlines several strategic shifts in India's white-ball squads. While seasoned campaigners like Harmanpreet Kaur (captaining both formats) and Deepti Sharma provide stability, selectors have blended fresh elements to counter Australia's dominance:

Key Changes:

• Wicketkeepers Uma Chetry and Yastika Bhatia dropped from ODIs
• Spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil returns to T20Is after injury
• Pratika Rawal omitted from 50-over squad
• Fulmali's inclusion adds lower-order hitting option

This reshuffle suggests India wants greater flexibility in death overs - historically where Australia outmuscled them during crunch moments. Fulmali's ability to clear boundaries against pace perfectly addresses this weakness.

The Australian Challenge: Why Fulmali Matters

India's white-ball history in Australia makes grim reading - zero series wins across both formats. To shatter this glass ceiling, they need players who thrive under extreme pressure. Fulmali's comeback story itself demonstrates mental fortitude, but her skills specifically counter Australian strengths:

Pace Bowling Threat: Australia's attack dominated India during previous encounters, especially with short-pitched aggression. Fulmali's improved hook and pull shots could neutralize this tactic.

Death Overs Batting: India frequently lost momentum in final overs. Fulmali's WPL performances show she can score 30+ runs in last 15 balls - potentially game-changing in tight chases.

Fielding Standards: Australian grounds demand athleticism. At 31, Fulmali's fitness levels passed rigorous WPL scrutiny, reassuring selectors about her fielding capabilities.

World Cup Vision: Building for 2026

With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026, this Australia tour serves as critical preparation. Fulmali's selection isn't just about current needs - it's a strategic move to develop finishers for the global tournament. Her experience, though limited internationally, provides maturity younger hitters lack.

This aligns with India's recent pattern of recalling veterans for specific roles. Just as Jhulan Goswami was brought back for leadership in past campaigns, Fulmali offers specialized power-hitting that could prove decisive in World Cup knockout matches.

The Bigger Picture: Second Chances in Women's Cricket

Fulmali's resurrection highlights changing dynamics in women's cricket. Previously, players fading from national setup rarely returned - especially post-30. But expanded domestic opportunities through WPL now offer alternative pathways back.

Her story mirrors Shreyanka Patil's simultaneous return from injury exile. Together, they showcase how modern women cricketers can overcome setbacks through franchise cricket and targeted skill development - a revolution expanding India's talent pool beyond traditional systems.

What Experts Will Watch

As India's white-ball squads depart for Australia, focus will intensify on Fulmali's integration:

Role Clarity: Will she bat as floating pinch-hitter or designated finisher?

Pressure Handling: Can she replicate WPL form against same opponents in national colors?

Team Balance: Does her inclusion allow Harmanpreet to bat higher?

These questions underline Fulmali's importance beyond mere selection. Her success could redefine how India approaches T20 and ODI cricket's decisive phases.

A New Chapter Begins

When Bharti Fulmali walks onto Australian grounds wearing India colors after six long years, it'll represent more than personal triumph. It validates persistence in professional sport, showcases the WPL's transformative impact, and offers India new weapons for their toughest challenge.

As the team plays their first ODIs since becoming world champions, Fulmali's comeback symbolizes Indian women's cricket's growing depth. Whether facing Megan Schutt's swing or Ash Gardner's guile, her performance could determine if India finally conquer their Australian frontier - making this one of 2026's most compelling sporting narratives.