The Premier League for women will continue to feed the emerging cricket talent of India and at the same time present international players of Topklasse while the third edition starts with title defense champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will compete against Gujarat Giants in Vadodara. Although the worldwide superstars have brought the competition enormously, the true success of the competition is in the rise of domestic players. The first two seasons witnessed various domestic talents such as Shreyanka Patil and Saika Ishaque thrive under pressure, earning national call-ups and making their India debut.
With every WPL season, the list of emerging Indian players continues to grow. With overseas stars such as Alyssa Healy, Sophie Molineux and Kate Cross, this edition misses due to injuries, the coming season offers a golden opportunity for both experienced domestic players and new talent to shine.
“As an India captain I am very enthusiastic for this season because many domestic cricketers have prepared for this tournament,” said HarmanPreet Kaur PTI during the Star Sports Press Room – WPL Captain's Huddle.
“Even before the auctions, we discussed that many domestic cricketers did very well, and everyone had names in their mind to pay attention. We really hope they do well and that the Indian team will be stronger.” Out-of-Gavour India-Opener Shafali Verma, who has been in good shape in the Interior Circuit, would like to deliver for Delhi Capitals, because they want to make a comeback to the national team, with a tour of England in July and the Odi World Cup at home on the horizon.
Fast-Bowling Allrounder Kashvee Gautam, who made the headlines in the Interior Cricket, gets the chance to prove itself against the best.
The tournament has introduced two new locations, Vadodara and Luckknow, which marks a step towards the implementation of a fully-fledged house-and-road format similar to the IPL.
Defending champion RCB stands for a tough challenge in retaining their title, with important players from last season such as Sophie Devine, who has taken a break of cricket to “prioritize her well -being”, Molineux and Kate Cross (injuries), that edition miss.
In addition, Star Allrounder Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana also recover from injuries. Their ability to overcome these setbacks will be crucial to determine whether they can successfully defend their crown.
“Most of our players who were in the XI last year are not available this season due to injuries. Sophie (Devine) is one of the best all -rounders in the world, so we will certainly miss her,” said RCB Skipper Smriti Mandhana.
“It will be difficult, but mental well -being is more important than whatever. We respect that,” she added.
Two -time second place in Delhi Capitals are the most consistent team in the tournament and will want to break through their Jinx of losses in the final.
DC has a strong Batting Line -up with Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp. Their bowling attack is equally formidable, with experienced players such as Shikha Pandey, Arundhati Reddy, Titas Sadhu, Jess Jonassen and Radha Yadav in their ranks.
“We have improved our team with the players we brought. We feel that we are in a good place to challenge again,” Lanning said.
“First of all, we have to give ourselves the chance to come to the final and hopefully to win this time.” Winners of the first season Mumbai Indians saw their bid for a second consecutive title last year shoot at their top five by Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia, HarmanPreet Kaur, Nat Sciver Brunt and Amelia Kerr.
This time they will hope for greater contributions from the rest of their Batting Line -Up.
In the meantime, both Gujarat Giants and Up Warriorz will have new captains at the helm.
Senior India All-Rounder Deepi Sharma takes over the captain of Up Warriorz in the absence of Healy, who has chosen the WPL to manage her injury.
“I don't think I am under pressure. She played many matches and led her teams efficiently. She was there in the last two seasons, and we will feel her absence a bit,” Deepti said.
For Gujarat Giants, Ashleigh Gardner has taken over leadership from colleague -Australian Beth Moeney. The Giants struggled in both earlier editions and ended at the bottom every time.
In an attempt to reverse their fortunes, they brought in the experienced Deandra Dottin, the young Slagman Simran Shaikh and fast Bowler Danielle Gibson.
(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.)
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