The Women Premier League’s inaugural edition is set to commence on March 04 in Mumbai. The first-ever WPL 2023 is short of no star cricketers featuring in the tournament. Ahead of the much-foreseen Women’s Premier League, let’s take a look at the top stars from all five teams.
- Mumbai Indians- Harmanpreet Kaur
The Indian Women’s team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, will be seen leading the Mumbai-based franchise, which has done exceedingly well in IPL. Recently she became the first female player to reach a milestone of 150 T20Is during the ICC T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa.
Bought for INR 1.8 crore, she, along with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr, makes a winning combination for Mumbai Indians.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore- Smriti Mandhana
The most expensive player of the inaugural edition of WPL and a fearless opener for team India was one of the most sought players in T20 leagues worldwide. Being the highest run-scorer for team India, accumulating 151 runs in four innings, she is coming in great form for the league.
Announced as the captain for RCB, she will be expected to provide a flying campaign for the franchise.
- Gujarat Giants- Beth Mooney
The Australian great has the skill to tackle both spinners and pacers, which will benefit Gujarat Giants. She scored an unbeaten 74 in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Now, given the responsibility to lead the side, she will be eager to continue her ongoing form.
She can implement her tactics well with Rachael Haynes as a part of the coaching group and a fearless middle-order partner in Ashleigh Gardner.
- Delhi Capitals- Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues is playing with a lot more confidence and clarity after facing a snub in the ODI World Cup last year.
She was the highest run-scorer for India in Asia Cup and second-highest in Commonwealth Games. Also, she played a very crucial role for the team in T20 World Cup 2023. Batting in the top order, she made up for the early fall of wickets. She displayed a fighting character in crucial encounters.
Her batting will be important for the team along with star players like Shafai Verma and five-time World Cup-winning captain Meg Lanning, who will also lead the Capitals in the inaugural edition.
- UP Warriorz- Alyssa Healy
One of the most destructive openers in women’s cricket established a world-renowned reputation by winning matches for her team single-handedly. She can take down any bowling attack.
She has shown remarkable improvement as a wicketkeeper and is an asset to any team she plays for. All set to lead the Warriorz, early fireworks can be expected from the team’s top order in the league.