WPL 2023: 5 Indian batters to watch out for

Women’s Premier League 2023 will start its journey on March 4, with five teams battling for the ultimate prize. The inaugural edition of the tournament has already been tipped as one of the best T20 franchise tournament in the cricket world, after Indian Premier League.

The players auction took place on February 13 with five teams spending almost INR 60 crore to sign 87 players, and as expected, Indian players fetched big money while some of the international T20 stars also made headlines.

There is no doubt that the first edition of the tournament will produce some of the biggest clashes in T20 history. Just entering after the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, players will be looking to give their best to make a big mark in the first edition.

Let’s take a look at five Indian batters to are likely to make the biggest impact in the tournament:

5. Richa Ghosh

India’s current first-choice wicketkeeper batter has recently made news with her ability to smash maximums. The youngster was snapped by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 1.9 crore and she will be a little under pressure to live up to that heavy price tag. Richa has scored over 500 runs at an average of 26.80 and at an impressive strike rate of 133.41 in T20Is so far.

4. Shweta Sehrawat

Shweta grabbed the headlines for her heroics in the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in January 2023. The 19-year-old top-order batter was the leading run-getter in the tournament with 297 runs from seven innings with three fifties. Those numbers earned her an INR 40 lakh contract with UP Warriorz.

3. Smriti Mandhana

The biggest name in Indian cricket and the most expensive player in WPL 2023 auction, Smriti Mandhana ended her poor run of form in the recent World Cup by smashing 151 runs from four innings. However, an INR 3.4 crore price tag may play a crucial role in her performances for RCB in WPL 2023.

2. Shafali Verma

The young India batting all-rounder endured an average World Cup in South Africa with just 102 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 108.52. Shafali was criticized for throwing her wicket while attempting unnecessary big shots under the pressure. But Delhi Capitals will be looking for better and impactful knocks from their opener as they paid INR 2 crore to win her signature.

1. Jemimah Rodrigues

The 22-year-old top-order batter is likely to open an innings for the Capitals alongside youngster Shafali Verma. Jemimah was excellent in the recent T20 World Cup with two crucial knocks, including a 43 off 24 against Australia in the semi-final. She scored 129 runs at a strike rate of 135.78 and the Capitals fans will be hoping for similar performances from the Mumbai-born star.