As if the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 wasn’t missing out on major names, there is a new development (and an unfortunate one) coming in. In what will be massive blows to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Mumbai Indians (MI), star Indian players Asha Sobhana and Pooja Vastrakar are ruled out of WPL 2025.
RCB sign Sobhana’s replacement; huge concerns remain
Star legspinner Asha Sobhana was ruled out of the season due to injury. Asha, who last played for India in the T20 World Cup in the UAE, sustained a knee injury before India’s last league game against Australia and has failed to recover in time. As a result, RCB have roped in wicketkeeper-batter Nuzhat Parween as her replacement at the base price of INR 30 lakh.
RCB’s challenges extend beyond Asha’s absence, with multiple key foreign players also missing from their squad. Sophie Molineux, the team’s joint second-highest wicket-taker last season, has withdrawn due to a knee injury sustained during the Women’s Ashes. Additionally, England pacer Kate Cross has opted out to focus on rehabilitation ahead of a packed international season. Star New Zealand opener Sophie Devine has also taken a break from domestic cricket, leaving RCB with a weakened squad.
Shreyanka Patil’s availability in doubt
Another major concern for RCB is the fitness of Shreyanka Patil, the Purple Cap winner and Emerging Player of the previous season. Patil has been undergoing rehabilitation for a shin injury at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) since returning from the T20 World Cup 2024. Having already missed India’s home season and the Australia tour, her availability for WPL 2025 remains uncertain.
Mumbai Indians replace Pooja Vastrakar with …
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have also had to make a last-minute change, replacing injured all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar with Parunika Sisodia. Vastrakar has been out of action since her injury during the T20 World Cup last year. Sisodia, who was part of the Gujarat Giants in the WPL’s inaugural season, recently shone in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals and will now look to make an impact for the Mumbai Indians in WPL 2025.
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