Rahila Firdous is an Indian women’s cricketer who represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and plays for Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Born on March 5, 1998, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the 27-year-old is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter known for her exceptional glovework and leadership qualities.
She captains Madhya Pradesh Women’s team and led Bundelkhand Bulls to their maiden Madhya Pradesh Women’s League title in 2025.
Her journey from playing cricket in shopping mall corridors to being selected by Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh in the WPL 2026 auction is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering family support.
As of 2026, Rahila is yet to make her WPL debut but remains MI’s primary wicketkeeping option following an injury to G Kamalini.
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Who is Rahila Firdous?
Rahila Firdous is an experienced domestic wicketkeeper-batter who has built her career through consistent performances in Indian women’s cricket.
Playing primarily in T20 formats, she represents Madhya Pradesh Women, India C Women, Central Zone Women, and Bundelkhand Bulls Women.
What makes Rahila’s story particularly inspiring is her journey from a girl who wasn’t allowed to play cricket with boys in her neighborhood to becoming the captain of her state team.
She learned wicketkeeping under the guidance of former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More during a camp in 2018-19, and still maintains detailed diaries of the drills he taught her.
Her leadership qualities shine through her achievements as captain. In 2025, she guided Madhya Pradesh to a runners-up finish in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and led Bundelkhand Bulls to their maiden title in the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League.
Rahila’s selection by Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026 auction marked a turning point in her career, bringing her from the domestic circuit to one of the biggest platforms in women’s cricket.
Rahila Firdous Quick Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahila Mashkoor Firdous |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Playing Role | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Does not bowl |
| Current Teams | Mumbai Indians (WPL), Madhya Pradesh Women |
| Domestic Teams | Madhya Pradesh, India C, Central Zone, Bundelkhand Bulls |
| WPL Debut | Yet to debut (as of January 2026) |
| Auction Price | ₹10 lakh (WPL 2026) |
| Jersey Number | To be updated |
| Coach | Kiran More (Wicketkeeping) |
Early Life: From Mall Cricket to Professional Dreams
Rahila Firdous was born on March 5, 1998, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, into a family where cricket wasn’t an obvious career choice, especially for a girl.
Growing up in a society with traditional restrictions on girls playing sports, particularly with boys, Rahila’s early cricket journey was filled with challenges.
Discovering Cricket
Rahila’s love for cricket began simply by watching. She watched boys play cricket in her neighborhood. She watched international stars on television.
She absorbed their styles, movements, and energy, even though the game wasn’t considered appropriate for her.
In her own words: “I didn’t even know the rules. I just liked cricket.”
The Mall Cricket Era
The social restrictions in her area were clear: “In my area, girls were not allowed to play with boys. People used to say, ‘You are making a girl play.'”
Unable to play in open grounds or streets like the boys, Rahila found creative alternatives. She played cricket wherever she could find space:
- Shopping malls
- Corridors
- Any covered space where she could practice
“I could only play in the malls,” she recalls with a laugh that carries both innocence and defiance.
There was no structured pathway, no formal coaching, no academy membership during those early years. Just instinct, fascination, and persistence driving her forward.
Family Support: A Single Mother’s Sacrifice
Rahila was raised by her mother, a single parent bringing up two daughters. The everyday battles of managing a household alone while supporting a daughter’s unconventional dream of becoming a cricketer were immense.
What stands out in Rahila’s story is how her mother shielded both daughters from these struggles. She handled all problems alone, ensuring they could focus on their dreams and education without the burden of financial worries.
This sacrifice would become the foundation of Rahila’s motivation and the reason behind her emotional breakdown on auction day.
Education
Rahila Firdous completed her schooling in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. While detailed information about her educational qualifications is not publicly available, she balanced academics with her growing passion for cricket during her formative years.
Like many aspiring cricketers in India, Rahila had to manage the dual responsibility of education and sports training, a challenge that requires significant discipline and family support.
The Wicketkeeping Journey: Learning from Kiran More
Discovery of Wicketkeeping
Rahila’s journey as a wicketkeeper began when she discovered her natural affinity for the position. She was agile, quick, and naturally sharp behind the stumps. However, wicketkeeping is a craft that requires systematic training and technical refinement.
The Kiran More Camp (2018-19)
The turning point in Rahila’s wicketkeeping career came in 2018-19 when she attended a camp in Madhya Pradesh conducted by Kiran More, the former Indian wicketkeeper and renowned coach.
More didn’t just coach Rahila; he systematized her entire learning process. He worked on every aspect of her wicketkeeping:
- Stance positioning
- Glove work technique
- Body positioning for different deliveries
- Drill routines for consistent improvement
The Diary of Drills
What makes Rahila’s dedication remarkable is her meticulous documentation of her learning. Every day during the camp, Kiran More would instruct her on specific drills to perform and which type of ball to use for each drill.
Rahila wrote everything down in her diary from 2018-19. Years later, she still maintains and refers to those diaries, using them as the foundation of her wicketkeeping practice.
“Most of my wicketkeeping credit goes to Kiran sir,” Rahila says without hesitation. “He told me about my stance, my glove-work, my positions. Every day, he used to tell me which drills I had to do and with which ball. I still have those drills written in my diary from 2018–19.”
Lasting Impact
The results of More’s coaching are evident in Rahila’s consistent performances. She speaks of wicketkeeping not merely as a role but as a discipline she deeply respects.
“My basics were cleared there. That’s why my wicketkeeping is still going well. I have a lot of respect for Kiran sir.”
This foundation has made Rahila one of the most reliable wicketkeepers in Madhya Pradesh domestic cricket.
Domestic Cricket Career
Teams and Representation
Rahila Firdous has represented multiple teams in Indian domestic women’s cricket:
State Teams:
- Madhya Pradesh Women (Current captain)
Zonal and Composite Teams:
- India C Women
- Central Zone Women
League Teams:
- Bundelkhand Bulls Women (Captain)
Career Statistics
T20 Domestic Cricket Performance:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 28 |
| Innings Batted | 12 |
| Total Runs | 106 |
| Batting Average | 26.50 |
| Strike Rate | 91.38 |
| Highest Score | 26 vs Rajasthan Women |
| Boundaries | 7 fours, 3 sixes |
| Dismissals as Keeper | 11 catches, 1 run-out |
While her batting numbers may not immediately grab headlines, they tell a story of reliability, adaptability, and situational awareness. Rahila’s value lies in her ability to:
- Hold the lower order together
- Read game situations astutely
- Provide stability when needed
- Contribute crucial runs in pressure moments
Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025
In the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025, Rahila captained Madhya Pradesh and played a crucial role in guiding them to the runners-up position.
Performance Highlights:
- Scored 56 runs in five innings as captain
- Led the team through challenging situations
- Demonstrated strong leadership under pressure
- Took Madhya Pradesh to their best-ever finish in recent years
Though they fell short of winning the title, reaching the final was a significant achievement for the state, and Rahila’s captaincy was widely praised.
Madhya Pradesh Women’s League 2025: Championship Victory
Later in 2025, Rahila achieved her biggest domestic success by leading Bundelkhand Bulls to the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League title.
This wasn’t just about wicketkeeping or batting. It was about leadership that understood people as much as situations. Rahila captained not through authority but through empathy, tactical awareness, and leading by example.
The championship victory established Rahila as one of the most successful captains in Madhya Pradesh women’s cricket and caught the attention of WPL scouts.
Leadership Qualities
Rahila’s captaincy is characterized by:
- Understanding team dynamics and individual player needs
- Making tactical decisions under pressure
- Leading from behind the stumps with communication
- Maintaining team morale through ups and downs
- Balancing aggression with caution
Her teammates and coaches consistently praise her calm demeanor and ability to handle tense situations without panic.
WPL 2026 Auction: A Dream Realized
Auction Day: November 27, 2025
The WPL 2026 mega auction took place on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. For Rahila Firdous, it was a day filled with anxiety, hope, and ultimately, overwhelming emotion.
The Long Wait
Rahila wasn’t at an academy or surrounded by an entourage. She was at home in Bhopal, sitting with her sister, watching the auction unfold on OTT platform starting from 3:30 PM.
The auction process is structured with categories of players appearing at different times. Uncapped players and wicketkeepers typically come up late in the auction, which meant Rahila had to wait for hours as the day stretched on.
By the time her name came up around 7:30 PM, the waiting had already tightened her chest. Her heartbeat was racing. She was watching the live stream, which had a slight delay compared to real-time events.
The Moment of Truth
At approximately 7:30 PM, after hours of anxious waiting, Rahila heard her name being called in the auction.
Mumbai Indians picked Rahila Firdous for her base price of ₹10 lakh.
It barely lasted 30 seconds. But in those seconds, Rahila’s life shifted completely.
Emotional Breakdown
“I started crying,” she says simply. “I don’t remember when I cried like this in my life.”
As the announcement was made, her phone started buzzing with messages and calls. But Rahila didn’t even look at her phone. “Messages and calls started coming, but I didn’t even look at my phone. I lost my mind.”
What happened next defines the emotional depth of her journey:
Rahila sat at her mother’s feet and cried.
The Significance of That Moment
That single act – sitting at her mother’s feet – carried the weight of years of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering support.
A single mother bringing up two daughters isn’t an easy task. Add to that one of the daughters wanting to be a cricketer in a society that didn’t fully accept women in sports.
The everyday battles of the family were handled by Rahila’s mother alone, who barely let those problems touch her daughters.
“That moment,” Rahila says softly, referring to auction night, “I’m going to keep it with me forever.”
Mumbai Indians’ Perspective
Nita Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, expressed excitement about bringing in young talent like Rahila:
“We are very excited to welcome three young girls – Rahila Firdous, Nalla Kranthi Reddy and Triveni Vashisth. I take this opportunity to welcome Poonam Khemnar, Milly Illingworth and Nicola Carey into the Mumbai Indians family.”
The experienced duo of Madhya Pradesh captain Rahila Firdous and Poonam Khemnar were expected to bring significant domestic experience to the defending champions’ side.
MI’s Philosophy of Development
Mumbai Indians have developed a reputation for identifying potential before it announces itself. From backing raw Indian talent to investing in long-term growth, MI’s philosophy has consistently leaned towards trust and development.
Rahila fits that mold perfectly. She represents the quiet achiever who has proven herself consistently in domestic cricket and deserves a chance at the highest level.
Under the stewardship of Nita Ambani, MI have made sustained contributions to Indian cricket, not merely through resources but through belief in untapped potential.
WPL 2026: Awaiting Debut
Current Status (January 2026)
As of January 2026, Rahila Firdous is yet to make her WPL debut for Mumbai Indians. The team has played five matches in the season, winning two and losing three.
Team Situation
Initially, G Kamalini was MI’s primary wicketkeeper-batter. Kamalini played all five of MI’s initial matches, scoring 75 runs in 77 balls with a best of 32, and effected seven dismissals behind the stumps.
However, in a significant development, Kamalini was ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. Mumbai Indians signed Vaishnavi Sharma, a left-arm spinner, as her replacement for ₹30 lakh.
With Kamalini unavailable, Rahila Firdous has become MI’s only wicketkeeping option, meaning her WPL debut is highly likely in upcoming matches.
Preparation and Mindset
Rahila has been training intensively with the Mumbai Indians squad, working alongside international stars like:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (All-rounder)
- Hayley Matthews (All-rounder)
- Amelia Kerr (Player of the Tournament, T20 World Cup 2024)
- Shabnim Ismail (Fast bowler)
- Saika Ishaque (Spinner)
Being part of such a star-studded setup while waiting for her opportunity requires patience, continued hard work, and maintaining readiness.
Team Culture
Rahila’s Madhya Pradesh teammate Sanskriti Gupta, who plays for MI, has already informed Rahila about the family vibe in the franchise. This has helped Rahila settle into the environment more comfortably.
The Mumbai Indians camp is known for its supportive culture, making it easier for young, uncapped players to adapt and express themselves without excessive pressure.
Personal Life and Family
Family Background
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Mother | Single parent, raised two daughters |
| Siblings | One sister (elder/younger status unclear) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | None |
| Hometown | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
Mother-Daughter Bond
The relationship between Rahila and her mother is the cornerstone of her journey. Raised by a single mother, Rahila witnessed firsthand the daily struggles and sacrifices required to support two daughters while encouraging unconventional dreams.
Her mother’s approach was to shield both daughters from financial and social pressures, allowing them to focus on their aspirations without burden. This created an environment where Rahila could pursue cricket despite societal resistance.
The auction night moment – when Rahila sat at her mother’s feet and cried symbolizes the culmination of both their journeys. It wasn’t just about the WPL selection; it was validation for years of quiet sacrifice and unwavering belief.
Sister’s Support
Rahila’s sister has been a constant support throughout her cricket journey. On auction day, her sister sat with her through the hours of waiting, sharing the anxiety and ultimately, the joy of selection.
The emotional support from family, especially during uncertain times in a cricket career, has been crucial to Rahila’s mental strength and persistence.
Playing Style and Strengths
As a Wicketkeeper
Technical Skills:
- Excellent stance and positioning
- Clean glove work
- Quick reflexes for catches
- Effective against both pace and spin
- Minimal byes conceded
- Strong communication with bowlers
Domestic Record:
- 11 catches in T20 cricket
- 1 run-out
- Consistent performances behind the stumps
- Reliable in pressure situations
Specialization: Rahila’s wicketkeeping is built on the strong foundation laid by Kiran More. Her disciplined approach to drills and continuous reference to her training diaries ensures consistent technical standards.
As a Batter
Batting Characteristics:
- Right-handed batter
- Lower to middle-order position
- Strike rate: 91.38 in domestic T20s
- Average: 26.50
- Plays the anchor role when needed
- Can accelerate in death overs
Batting Strengths:
- Strong off-side play
- Good rotation of strike
- Reads match situations well
- Calm temperament under pressure
- Team-oriented approach
Areas of Focus: While Rahila’s primary role is wicketkeeping, her batting provides valuable lower-order stability. Her numbers reflect reliability rather than explosive power, making her a dependable option in chase or defense situations.
Leadership Qualities
Captain Attributes:
- Leads by example
- Understands player psychology
- Makes tactical decisions calmly
- Maintains team morale
- Communicates effectively from behind stumps
- Balances aggression with caution
Her success in leading Madhya Pradesh and Bundelkhand Bulls demonstrates her natural leadership capabilities, which could be valuable for MI’s team dynamics.
Net Worth and Earnings
Income Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| WPL Contract | ₹10 lakh (Mumbai Indians, WPL 2026) |
| Domestic Cricket | Match fees from BCCI and state associations |
| Tournament Prizes | Prize money from domestic tournaments |
| Endorsements | Limited (expected to grow post-WPL debut) |
Estimated Net Worth: ₹15-25 lakh (approximate, as of January 2026)
As an uncapped domestic player, Rahila’s earnings have primarily come from state-level match fees and tournament prizes. Her WPL contract of ₹10 lakh represents her first major professional cricket income.
With successful WPL performances, her market value is expected to increase significantly, along with potential endorsement opportunities.
Social Media Presence
Rahila Firdous maintains a modest social media presence focused on cricket:
| Platform | Handle | Activity Level | Content Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| @rahila_firdous_1 | Moderate | Training, matches, team photos | |
| Twitter/X | Limited presence | Low | Occasional updates |
| Not very active | Low | Personal updates |
She uses social media primarily to share cricket-related content and connect with fans who follow her domestic cricket performances.
Goals and Aspirations
Immediate Goals
WPL 2026:
- Make successful WPL debut for Mumbai Indians
- Establish herself as reliable wicketkeeper option
- Contribute valuable runs in pressure situations
- Learn from international teammates
- Gain exposure to high-pressure T20 cricket
Medium-term Goals
Domestic Cricket:
- Continue captaining Madhya Pradesh successfully
- Lead team to more domestic titles
- Improve batting average and strike rate
- Mentor young wicketkeepers in state setup
Long-term Aspirations
National Team: While Rahila hasn’t publicly stated this as a goal, consistent WPL performances could open doors to Team India selection in the future.
Personal Philosophy: Rahila doesn’t speak about proving points or making statements. She speaks about gratitude, patience, and quiet work. Her approach reflects humility and a process-oriented mindset rather than outcome obsession.
“Self-belief itself is the greatest victory,” reflects her attitude toward her journey.
Why is Rahila Firdous Trending?
Rahila Firdous became a notable name in Indian women’s cricket due to:
- WPL 2026 Selection: Being picked by defending champions Mumbai Indians brought national attention
- Inspirational Story: Journey from mall cricket to WPL resonates with aspiring cricketers
- Single Mother’s Support: Her emotional story of family sacrifice touched many hearts
- Kiran More’s Protégé: Training under the legendary wicketkeeper adds credibility
- Leadership Success: Winning Madhya Pradesh Women’s League as captain
- MI’s Wicket-keeping Option: With Kamalini injured, likely to debut soon
- Underdog Narrative: Represents hope for domestic players without academy backgrounds
- Emotional Auction Moment: Her reaction to being picked went viral in cricket circles
Interesting Facts About Rahila Firdous
- She learned cricket by playing in shopping mall corridors due to social restrictions
- Maintains detailed diaries of wicketkeeping drills from 2018-19 taught by Kiran More
- Captains Madhya Pradesh Women’s cricket team despite being only 27 years old
- Led Bundelkhand Bulls to their maiden Madhya Pradesh Women’s League title in 2025
- Raised by a single mother who supported her unconventional cricket dreams
- Sat at her mother’s feet and cried when Mumbai Indians picked her in the auction
- Watched the entire WPL 2026 auction at home with her sister, not at any academy
- Yet to make her WPL debut but is MI’s only wicketkeeping option after Kamalini’s injury
- Didn’t know cricket rules initially, just loved watching and playing the game
- Has been teammates with Sanskriti Gupta in Madhya Pradesh before both joined MI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Rahila Firdous? Rahila Firdous is an Indian women’s cricketer who plays as a wicketkeeper-batter for Madhya Pradesh and Mumbai Indians in the WPL.
Q2. What is Rahila Firdous’s age? She is 27 years old, born on March 5, 1998.
Q3. Which team does Rahila Firdous play for in WPL? She plays for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Women’s Premier League.
Q4. What was Rahila Firdous’s WPL auction price? She was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh in the WPL 2026 auction.
Q5. Has Rahila Firdous made her WPL debut? As of January 2026, she is yet to make her WPL debut but is MI’s primary wicketkeeping option after G Kamalini’s injury.
Q6. Where is Rahila Firdous from? She is from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Q7. What is Rahila Firdous’s playing role? She is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter who plays in the lower to middle order.
Q8. Who trained Rahila Firdous in wicketkeeping? She was trained by former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More during a camp in 2018-19.
Q9. Does Rahila Firdous captain any team? Yes, she captains Madhya Pradesh Women’s cricket team and led Bundelkhand Bulls to the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League title in 2025.
Q10. What are Rahila Firdous’s domestic cricket statistics? She has played 28 T20 matches, scoring 106 runs at an average of 26.50 with a strike rate of 91.38, and has taken 11 catches as wicketkeeper.
Q11. Is Rahila Firdous married? No, Rahila Firdous is currently unmarried.
Q12. What was unique about Rahila Firdous’s early cricket journey? She learned cricket by playing in shopping mall corridors because girls weren’t allowed to play with boys in her neighborhood.
Q13. What is Rahila Firdous’s batting style? She is a right-handed batter who plays primarily as a lower-order batter.
Q14. What is special about Rahila’s wicketkeeping training? She maintains detailed diaries from 2018-19 containing all the drills taught by Kiran More, which she still refers to for practice.
Q15. What are Rahila Firdous’s future goals? She aims to make a successful WPL debut, establish herself as a reliable wicketkeeper for MI, and continue leading Madhya Pradesh to domestic success.
Last Updated: January 21, 2026
Note: This biography is based on verified information from domestic cricket records and interviews. Rahila Firdous represents the countless domestic cricketers who work quietly for years before getting their chance at the biggest stage.
Her story is one of patience, family sacrifice, and the belief that hard work eventually finds recognition.
