February 14, India: The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to kick off on February 14, 2025, with an exciting clash between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After two successful seasons, the WPL continues to grow, offering a platform for the best women cricketers in the world to showcase their talent.
With intense rivalries, star-studded line-ups, and thrilling performances, this season promises to be bigger and better. Here’s a look at the captains leading their teams into the highly anticipated tournament.
Mumbai Indians-Harmanpreet Kaur
Mumbai Indians (MI) have retained Harmanpreet Kaur as their captain after a successful first two seasons. Under her leadership, MI lifted the inaugural WPL trophy in 2023 and had a strong 2024 campaign before bowing out in the Eliminator.
With key players like Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Yastika Bhatia in the batting lineup, MI boasts a strong squad. The experienced Shabnim Ismail is expected to lead their pace attack, adding depth to their bowling unit.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru -Smriti Mandhana
Reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will once again be led by Smriti Mandhana, who guided them to their maiden title last season. However, the road to defending their crown won’t be easy, as RCB has suffered multiple setbacks.
Key players Shreyanka Patil, Sophie Molineux, Sophie Devine, Kate Cross, and Asha Sobhana have all been ruled out due to injuries or mental fatigue, significantly weakening their squad. Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry has also just returned from a hip injury, making Mandhana’s task even tougher. Despite these challenges, RCB will look to put up a strong title defense.
Delhi Capitals- Meg Lanning
Delhi Capitals (DC) will continue to be led by the legendary Meg Lanning, who has taken her team to two consecutive WPL finals. The Australian captain, having won nearly every international trophy, will be determined to add a WPL title to her collection.
DC arguably has one of the strongest batting line-ups in the tournament, with the explosive Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues supporting Lanning at the top. The middle order is equally strong with Alice Capsey, Annabel Sutherland, Sarah Bryce, and Arundhati Reddy adding depth to the squad.
Gujarat Giants-Ashleigh Gardner
Gujarat Giants (GG) have named Ashleigh Gardner as their new captain, replacing Beth Mooney. Gardner, a key all-rounder for the Giants in previous seasons, will be aiming to lead her team to their first-ever playoff qualification.
GG has a power-packed batting line-up featuring Beth Mooney, Deandra Dottin, Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, and Simran Shaikh. If their bowling unit can step up, the Giants could be a force to reckon with in WPL 2025.
What to Expect from WPL 2025
With a mix of experienced veterans and young rising stars, the 2025 Women’s Premier League is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and with the format being highly competitive, expect nail-biting matches, big upsets, and standout performances.
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