Can the WPL produce superstars from domestic Indian cricketers this third edition? | Cricket News

From one city in its inaugural edition, the Women’s Premier League will spread its wings a little further for the third season, being held in four different venues across the country, starting with Vadodara on Friday. Gujarat Giants will play hosts to Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the first leg kicks off at the BCA Stadium. After six matches, the caravan will shift to the home of the defending champions in Bengaluru. Lucknow will then take centerstage where UP Warriorz will get a chance to play in their home venue for the first time, then the curtains will come down in Mumbai.Indian cricket, meanwhile, would love to see the spread of WPL across the length and breadth of the country reflected in the performances on the field too. There is little doubt that the first two editions have helped female domestic cricketers achieve financial security while also providing a bigger platform to showcase their skills. The likes of Saika Ishaque, Asha Sobhana, Sajana Sajeevan and Shreyanka Patil have gone on to play for India, thanks to their performances in the tournament. But, now into the third season, the league could do with producing an Indian superstar for the present and the future.
Even between the first two seasons, the graph headed in the right direction. The first season was largely dominated the overseas stars – and the most familiar Indian names – when it came to match-winning performances, with the top three wicket-takers and run-getters all coming from foreign players. In the second season, Shreyanka and Asha bucked the trend in the Purple Cap race while Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana crossed the 300-run barrier among batters. The ideal evolution for the league would be for someone from the domestic setup to break into these ls more frequently.

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The trickle-down effect of the WPL is not lost on India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Harmanpreet: “One noticeable improvement in domestic cricket has been the strike rates of batters,” the Mumbai Indians skipper said on Thursday in a media briefing held Star Sports. “This season, we saw multiple 300+ run scores in domestic matches. Players know they have to work on their power-hitting abilities and that we have seen. That’s the biggest positive from WPL. Even fielding, and overall skill development is happening which is very good. Domestic cricketers have prepared themselves thoroughly for this opportunity.”
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Can Shafali make a statement?
Meg Lanning, who has won it all in international cricket with Australia but faced back-to-back final heartbreaks in the WPL, is back for another go with the Delhi Capitals. “The WPL has had a huge impact not just on international players but also on the local players here in growing the game. I have really enjoyed watching their development and evolution as a player. They have been getting better with the kind of opportunity that WPL provides them,” Lanning told DC.
Lanning’s sheer presence in the franchise has been appreciated quite a few Indian players, not least Shafali. The swashbuckling opener, after a really impressive WPL season, has seen her form dip which led to her exclusion from India’s white-ball squads. She piled up runs in the domestic season after that, clearly showing she’s too good for that level but WPL is the platform where she can catapult herself back into India reckoning.
RCB’s pre-season woes
While DC are arguably the strongest side on paper, having improved even the couple of chinks they had in the previous seasons, 2024 winners RCB have had some serious setbacks before the tournament begins. From the playing XI of last year’s final alone, they have lost three key players: Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, and Asha Sobhana. There are injury concerns around Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka as well. A lot will depend on Mandhana’s form with the bat, and some new domestic talent to come through, if RCB are to defend their title.
“We have had quite a few injuries post the auction. Some of the players who were in the XI last year are unavailable. Sophie (Devine) is one of the best all-rounders in the world, so we will definitely miss her,” Mandhana said in the captains’ meet. “It will be tough, but mental well-being is more important than anything. We respect that. Even other injuries… it’s tough. But we have had discussions around that. Playing for them is also something that will keep the team looking forward.”Story continues below this ad
New captains
While three out of the five usual suspects have returned to lead their sides, UPW and GG have turned to new captains. The Warriorz have handed the responsibility to Deepti Sharma, who came into her own last year as an allrounder, walking away with the Player of the Tournament award. In Alyssa Healy’s absence, this will be a big test for her. “I have been a leader in domestic cricket so that will help. It’s going to be a challenging role, but I like challenges,” Deepti said.
Giants, who have been bottom of the table for two years in a row, have rung in the changes. The legendary Mithali Raj is no longer part of the backroom staff and Ashleigh Gardner has been named captain. After a public fallout with Deandra Dottin before the first season, they have brought back the ‘World Boss’ who will hope to show the league what it’s been missing.
“Forgetting what’s happened in the last two years is probably a good start,” Garnder said. “We can’t change what happened in the past. The squad for this season has lots of experience but also some fantastic young players coming through. That just shows through someone like a Priya Mishra, who has made her debut for India and to see her progression in such a short span at the international stage… she’s just one example of what the league has done.”

And producing more Shreyanka Patils and Priya Mishras will define WPL’s success going forward.