This time the atmosphere in the mega auction of the Women’s Premier League was quite interesting. The strategies of the franchises on each player were clearly visible in the auction that lasted five and a half hours. According to the available information, names of 128 players were received, but only 67 players were purchased, on which a total of Rs 40.80 crore has been spent. Let us tell you that in this, the teams have made 23 foreign and 44 Indian players a part of their squad.
It is noteworthy that from the very beginning, 2-time champion Mumbai Indians paid full attention to bringing back its previous core team. As a result, key players like Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail once again joined the team. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team’s batting and all-rounder department looks stronger than before, although fitting young wicketkeeper G Kamalini into the playing-11 could be a challenge.
On the other hand, the day was mixed for Delhi Capitals. The team could not buy Meg Lanning back after releasing her and UP Warriors bought her back for Rs 1.90 crore. Delhi has certainly strengthened the batting lineup with names like Sneh Rana, Laura Wolvaardt and Shinelle Henry, but there is still uncertainty over the wicketkeeping slot. Due to limited options for Tania Bhatia, the team will have to think more about changing the combination.
Talking about RCB, the team has maintained faith in its all-rounders. Along with Smriti Mandhana, players like Georgia Woll, Elise Perry and Richa Ghosh have the power to change the course of any match. However, lack of experience in the bowling department may put them in trouble in pressure situations. Despite the presence of Nadine de Klerk and Radha Yadav, the lack of wicket-taking bowlers is likely to be felt.
UP Warriors took the most powerful steps in the auction this time. Taking advantage of the big purse, the team included top players like Meg Lanning, Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Eccleston in the squad. Both the top order and bowling department of the team look very balanced. According to available information, the team has expressed confidence in uncapped Kshipra Giri at the wicketkeeper slot, who can prove to be a big factor during the season.
This time Gujarat Giants have laid emphasis on strengthening the batting. Batsmen like Sophie Devine, Yastika Bhatia and Beth Mooney can give a strong start to the team. However, lack of experience in the bowling department may emerge as their biggest challenge. Young bowlers like Kashvi Gautam, Titas Sadhu and Tanuja Kanwar may struggle to maintain consistency under the pressure of big matches.
Overall, this auction has made the strategy of every team and the picture of the coming season clear to some extent. Some franchises will re-enter the field by strengthening their old combinations, while some teams have decided to make a fresh start with major changes. Looking at the roles and composition of the players, it would not be wrong to say that the coming season is going to be more exciting and competitive than before, preparations for which all the teams have started.