Who is Kira Chathli? Meet England Captain with Indian family and MI connection

Kira Chathli will return to India as England A captain and lead the visiting women’s team on what promises to be a special occasion for the Surrey batsman. With Indian roots and a growing reputation in England’s domestic cricket, Chathli will be returning to a country that holds personal significance for her, so the assignment will be more than just another cricket opportunity.

The 27-year-old has steadily established herself on the domestic English cricket circuit through her appearances for Surrey and various franchises in The Hundred. Known for her wicket-taking skills and contributions with the bat, she has gained valuable experience across formats while developing her leadership skills.

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Chathli will lead England A Women against India A Women in a series comprising three T20 matches, three 50-over matches and a four-day match. The tour offers her an opportunity to test her leadership skills against familiar opposition while continuing her quest for greater recognition in English cricket.

KIRA CHATHLI’S INDIAN ASSOCIATION

Growing up in a multicultural environment in Southwark, London, Chathli was introduced to cricket mainly through her father Harry, who played club cricket as an all-rounder and wicketkeeper. Some of her earliest memories of the sport came during family trips to India, where she watched her father play and developed a lasting love for the game.

Her Indian connection became even more special when she signed for MI London in The Hundred. Her father, who grew up in suburban Mumbai and briefly served as Yorkshire chairman in 2023-24, is a lifelong supporter of Mumbai Indians. Chathli talked about how excited he was to see her join a franchise associated with his favorite team, creating a full-circle moment for the family.

She also expressed pride that Indian investment is contributing to the growth of women’s domestic cricket in England.

“Obviously cricket is massive in India and to bring that over here through Indian investment is a really great thing,” Chathli told Cricinfo last year.

MI LONDON AND SURREY: HOW CHATHLI DID

Kira Chaithli plays for MI London in The Hundred. Courtesy: Kira Chaitley Instagram

Chathli’s career developed through consistent involvement in the English domestic cricket set-up. She made her county debut for Surrey against Essex in 2013, aged just 14, and has since gained experience with the likes of South East Stars, Trent Rockets, London Spirit and Oval Invincibles. She was part of the Oval Invincibles team that won The Hundred in 2022 and also helped the South East Stars lift the Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2021.

Her performances in the hundred proved her ability to contribute in the fast format. In 27 matches, Chathli has scored 289 runs at an average of 16.05 and a strike rate of 125.10, with two half-centuries to her credit.

MI London’s belief in her ability was evident at the 2026 Hundred auction, where she sparked a three-way bidding war before being signed for £80,000. The fee made her the most expensive English goalkeeper at the auction, underscoring her value to the franchise.

Chathli has also produced impressive performances in domestic over-50 cricket. During the 2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, she scored 251 runs at an average of 50.20, including three half-centuries, underlining her ability to deliver consistently in the longer format.

As he prepares to captain England A in India, Chathli brings domestic experience, wicket-taking skills and growing leadership to the role. Her return to a country with which she shares a personal connection adds another dimension to an important chapter in her cricketing journey.

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