# Ahilya Chandel becomes First Japanese Player in WPL, Joins DC

URL: https://technosports.co.in/ahilya-chandelahilya-chandel-first-japanese-p/  
Published: 2025-02-13  
Updated: 2025-02-13  
Author: REMYA BABU S

***Ahilya Chandel:*** The [Women’s Premier League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Premier_League_(cricket))(WPL) 2025 is set to witness a historic moment as Delhi Capitals have roped in Ahilya Chandel, making her the first-ever Japanese player in the league. The young pacer has been signed as a net bowler, adding an exciting international flavor to the tournament.

> Delhi Capitals Women introduce Japanese net bowler Ahilya Chandel[#WPL2025](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPL2025?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[#WPLonJioStar](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPLonJioStar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#TATAWPL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAWPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#DelhiCapitals](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiCapitals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Japan](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/aM2pkvejWE](https://t.co/aM2pkvejWE)
>
> — CBMCRICKET (@CBMCRICKET) [February 11, 2025](https://twitter.com/CBMCRICKET/status/1889339790807482572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ***Ahilya Chandel: Delhi Capitals’ New Pick, First Japanese in WPL***

### **Who is Ahilya Chandel?**

Ahilya Chandel, born on January 10, 2003, has a unique cricketing journey. With an Indian father and a Japanese mother, she developed an early love for cricket. Encouraged by her father’s passion for the sport, she started playing at the age of eight and has since carved a name for herself in international cricket.

### **Chandel’s Journey in International Cricket**

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ahilya-Chandel-1.webp)

Ahilya made her debut for the Japan national team in October 2022 against Hong Kong during the Women’s East Asia Cup. She has been Japan’s most successful bowler in Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is), taking 30 wickets in 32 matches at an impressive economy rate of 4.58.

One of her standout performances came against China in the 2024 Asian Cricket Council Women’s Premier Cup, where she delivered a match-winning spell of 4/8. This earned her the prestigious Player of the Match award and secured Japan’s victory by four wickets.

### **A Historic Feat: Double Hat-Trick in T20Is**

Ahilya Chandel is one of only four bowlers in WT20Is to have taken a double hat-trick—four wickets in four consecutive deliveries. This rare feat places her among an elite group of cricketers, showcasing her ability to deliver under pressure.

> 3 must know facts about Ahilya Chandel – Delhi Capitals' latest recruit from Japan ✍️  
>   
> 🔸Who is Ahilya Chandel?  
> 🔸Career achievements?  
> 🔸The bowler owns a record which is rare.  
>   
> ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED ⏬[https://t.co/FgcWxPJ1ph](https://t.co/FgcWxPJ1ph)
>
> — Cricket.com (@weRcricket) [February 12, 2025](https://twitter.com/weRcricket/status/1889617701389094978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### **Ahilya Chandel Joins Delhi Capitals**

Delhi Capitals have signed Ahilya Chandel as a net bowler for WPL 2025. While her role does not guarantee a spot in the playing XI, history suggests that net bowlers often transition into key squad members. Past examples include Umran Malik and Mukesh Kumar, who started as net bowlers before making a name in professional cricket.

The move is not only a significant milestone for Chandel but also a breakthrough moment for Japanese cricket. Training alongside top international stars like Jemimah Rodrigues, Meg Lanning, and Shafali Verma will be an invaluable experience for her development.

### **Delhi Capitals’ Coach Impressed by Chandel**

Delhi Capitals’ head coach Jonathan Betty has lauded Chandel’s work ethic and potential. He described her as a “real bundle of energy and joy” and expressed confidence in her ability to learn and adapt quickly. With her diverse cricketing experience in Japan and Australia, she brings a fresh perspective to the squad.

> Who is Ahilya Chandel? Meet Japan's First Cricketer Set To Train With Delhi Capitals Before WPL 2025[#WPL2025](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPL2025?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#DelhiCapitals](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiCapitals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#AhilyaChandel](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AhilyaChandel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[https://t.co/PwQrMxyXD8](https://t.co/PwQrMxyXD8)
>
> — Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) [February 11, 2025](https://twitter.com/fpjindia/status/1889233379230466270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### **What This Means for the Future of Japanese Cricket**

Ahilya Chandel’s inclusion in the WPL is a massive boost for cricket in Japan. It highlights the growing global reach of the sport and could inspire more young talents from associate nations to take up cricket. If she impresses in the nets and gets an opportunity to play, she could become the first Japanese cricketer to feature in a major global T20 league.

Ahilya Chandel’s journey from Japan to the Women’s Premier League is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Whether she gets a playing opportunity or not, her presence in the Delhi Capitals squad is a monumental step for Japanese cricket. With her talent and determination, the future looks bright for this young pacer.

## FAQs

### **Who is Ahilya Chandel?**

Ahilya Chandel is a Japanese cricketer with Indian roots, known for her left-arm pace bowling. She is Japan’s leading wicket-taker in WT20Is.

### **What is Ahilya Chandel’s role in WPL 2025?**

She has joined Delhi Capitals as a net bowler, making her the first Japanese player to be part of the WPL.

**Read more: [IPL 2025 Retentions: Full List of Retained and Released Players, Remaining Purse, RTM Cards & Confirmed Captains](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2025-retentions-players-purse-rtm-captains/)**