WPL 2024: Players To Watch Out For

With the WPL 2024 all set to get underway on the 23rd of February, we will witness five teams take on each other to fight for the ultimate glory. Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and UP Warriorz are decked with stellar players from the international and domestic circuits who are raring to make a statement.

Who are the Players to Watch Out For in WPL 2024?

1. Delhi Capitals

Meg Lanning: The swashbuckling batter and former skipper of Australia is undoubtedly one of the finest players in the women’s cricket ecosystem. With 345 runs under her belt in 9 matches at the WPL 2023, she was prolific and the top run-getter in the tournament. With a solid technique and a shrewd captaincy style, she will look to unleash her best as a skipper and batter this season.

Jemimah Rodrigues: A promising young batter who has shone for India on multiple occasions in the past, Jemimah Rodrigues brings the best of her attacking and technical know-how to her batting and is a fierce fielder who can chip in with the ball as well.

She can adapt to the situation and absorb pressure like no other, her presence in the middle order will be of utmost importance to the Capitals’ set-up. This season will be crucial for her to establish herself as an all-season batter and quieten all her critics.

Ashwani Kumari: One of the finest exponents from Jharkhand, Ashwani Kumari has been a superstar in domestic cricket.

Playing for East Zone in the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Trophy, we witnessed the attacking side of her and with a scintillating strike rate, she has proven to be exceptional. If given a chance in this Capitals playing X1, she can be an asset and make the most of her opportunity.

READ MORE: WPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – SWOT Analysis

2. Gujarat Giants

Beth Mooney: Scripting a strong comeback and announcing their arrival in style this season is Beth Mooney who will not just be a value addition as a skipper but more importantly as a batter. With consistency in her DNA, this season will define her and she will look to contribute in all possible capacities for Gujarat.

Sneh Rana: Taking every setback in her stride, Sneh Rana is a champion. Her story of greatness is not unknown. Leading the side in Beth Mooney’s absence, Sneh Rana did an admirable job ensuring that all the players were at ease and could deliver. Although the team ended up in the fourth position, her performances with the ball will not be forgotten and she set the bar high.

Sayali Satghare: Replacing the most expensive buy in the history of the WPL- Kashvee Gautam, Sayali Satghare is an impressive young cricketer from the modest beginnings and the rich stable of cricketing history of Mumbai. With performances of repute in the domestic circuit, she would be raring to go and make the most of this platform.

3. Mumbai Indians

Hayley Matthews: Declared the ‘Most Valuable Player’ last season, Hayley Matthews is a name that inspires class, confidence and consistency. She was spectacular with both the bat and ball, delivering memorable performances in every single match for Mumbai Indians.

Her purple patch carried on for the West Indies and with the experience of leading a side under her belt, she is the complete package and an asset for any team she is a part of.

Pooja Vastrakar: One of the finest all-rounders in the women’s game currently, Pooja Vastrakar is a household name. Playing for the Mumbai Indias last season, she was good in phases. However, post-injury in her India comeback we see a different side to her game which is a welcome sign and the WPL can be a game-changer season for her.

Keerthana Balakrishnan: Another gem acquired by Mumbai Indians in the WPL Auctions 2024, Keerthana Balakrishnan is a force to reckon with. The 23-year-old, hailing from Tamil Nadu is poised to be the next big thing in women’s cricket.

Under the guidance of Abhinav Mukund’s father, the all-rounder has already been delivering with the bat and ball. If she gets a couple of games under her belt, rest assured she will be one to watch out for.

ALSO READ: WPL 2024: LIVE Streaming, Fixtures And Squad Details – Here Is All You Need To Know

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Sophie Devine: The Kiwi batter is one of the finest and most powerful strikers in the women’s game. Her knock of 99 in the last season will not be forgotten by her legion of fans. An opener who is crucial to RCB’s success is coming on the back of consistent performances and will look to extend that vein of form and lead from the front.

Smriti Mandhana: Skipper of RCB and one of the star players in the set-up, Smriti Mandhana will look to undo the damages of the inaugural season and come back stronger. With her batting floundering and RCB having a forgettable season, it is easy to write off the southpaw.

This edition of the WPL presents itself as an opportunity for redemption and justifies all her naysayers as to why she is still a crucial cog in the wheel for RCB and the national team.

Disha Kasat: Another fine exponent from the domestic set-up, Disha Kasat has already given the impression, she is here to stay and deliver. A dependable middle-order batter, she has displayed her prowess time and again, this season will be a litmus test for her to cement her place and operate regularly.

5. UP Warriorz

Sophie Ecclestone: One of the finest spinners in world cricket, Sophie Ecclestone has ensured pundits and fans alike have run out of adjectives to describe her.

With an impeccable record and ability to outfox batters, she is the most sought-after bowler in any league she participates in. With conditions favouring her game, she has the potential and pedigree to emerge as a top wicket-taker this season.

Deepti Sharma: A prodigy who has time and again proven why she is such an integral part of the Indian set-up and UP Warriorz, Deepti Sharma is one player to watch out for. An all-phase bowler, she can be relied upon for breakthroughs and in death overs as well. This season it will be interesting to see if she can carry on the same vein of form and deliver.

Vrinda Dinesh: Another fine batter emerging from the stables of Karnataka is Vrinda Dinesh. Breaking records and scoring runs in abundance is a staple for the batter who is a star in age group cricket and is fast emerging as a crucial player for her state side at the senior level as well.

This season playing for UP Warriorz will be very important to make a mark and solidify the claims of her consistency at the highest level as well.

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