It’s time now. The second edition of Women’s Premier League gets underway on February 23 in Bengaluru, with Harmanpreet Kaur‘s Mumbai Indians taking on Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals. The last year’s finalists deservingly open the tournament that concludes on March 17 in Delhi. But apart from the coveted trophy, prize money and accolades, something larger is at stake for the Indian players, irrespective of the teams they play for.
Over the last couple of years, Team India has largely struggled in the format, while the others, especially the Australian team has become stronger, and the gap between them and rest of the world has only increased. They have largely benefitted from the nine editions of the WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League), while for the Indians, it’s still early days. But, now is the time to cash-in, with the T20 World Cup slated to be held in September-October 2024, in Bangladesh.
Delhi Capitals
This is a team that largely possesses India discards. Apart from Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, there is an army of players like Shikha Pandey, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, and Poonam Yadav, who would be eyeing a comeback in the national side. Especially, Shikha and Poonam, who at one point were irreplaceable. In fact Poonam was once the best T20I bowler in the world, and has 98 wickets to her name in 72 matches. But it is up to them, what they learn from Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, and Marizanne Kapp.
Mumbai Indians
WPL 2024 couldn’t have come at a better time for Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who is the India in-charge as well. To say her form has been poor, would be an understatement. Harman doesn’t have a fifty in her last nine matches, and her confidence has taken a hit. Mumbai, and certainly Indian would want her to fire. There’s a certain Fatima Jaffer in the team, who if impressive, could land India cap. An ambidextrous bowler, she bowls right-arm fast, and left-arm spin.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
After a poor first season, they can only go upwards from here, under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana. The team overall looks a balanced unit, and as for the Indian players, being consistent would be the key. Regulars, Renuka Singh and Richa Ghosh would like to make an impact.
UP Warriorz
This is a team where some real talent can be unearthed. Apart from Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, there are some young, uncapped players, who will gain experience from the overseas, and India players. Kiran Navgire, the explosive batter and Gouher Sultana could be on the radar.
Gujarat Giants
Veda Krishnamurthy will be the focus, come the WPL 2024, for Gujarat Giants. She has been out of the Indian team for four years now, and WPL is just the right tournament for her. In fact, she’d be playing her first competitive match in almost three years. Apart from her, Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol, and Meghana Singh are important in the context of building Team India.
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