December 6, 2023
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 is set to kick off on February 23, Friday, at 7:30 p.m. at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Following the success of the inaugural season, the WPL 2024 promises even more excitement, with teams vying for supremacy in what has become a highly anticipated event in the cricket calendar. The auction for the WPL 2024 saw teams strategically bolstering their squads with a mix of international stars and promising domestic talents. Notable signings and replacements have made headlines including Annabel Sutherland and Kashvee Gautam sold for Rs 2 CR to Delhi Capitals and Gujrat Giants. As the excitement builds, let’s focus on the top five players to watch out in this year’s WPL league which doesn’t include two top most paid players in WSL Auction 2024
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T. Sadhu, a young and vibrant cricketer from West Bengal, India, has quickly made a name for herself in the cricketing world. Born on September 29, 2004, Sadhu’s cricket journey is both inspiring and remarkable. A right-handed batter and a right-arm medium bowler, she has shown exceptional skill and determination on the field.
Sadhu’s cricket career took a significant turn when she was selected to play for the senior Bengal team at just 16. Her performance in domestic cricket caught the attention of national selectors, leading to her debut for the Indian women’s national cricket team in 2023. Sadhu made an immediate impact, playing a crucial role in India’s victory at the Asian Games, where the team clinched the gold medal. Her debut in the T20 International scene came against Bangladesh, where her bowling prowess was on full display.
Her achievements include being part of the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning Indian team, where she was named Player of the Match in the final. Despite her young age, Sadhu’s maturity, skill, and dedication to the sport have made her a player to watch in the WPL 2024.
As the Women IPL 2024 season approaches, Sadhu’s inclusion in the Delhi Capitals squad adds an exciting dynamic to the team’s lineup. Her ability to perform under pressure, combined with her bowling and batting capabilities, makes her a valuable asset to her team and a player that cricket fans should keep an eye on.
V. Dinesh, a young and talented cricketer from Karnataka, has become a name to watch in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. Born on March 2, 2001, Vrinda’s journey to the WPL is a story of hard work, talent, and determination.
Vrinda made headlines during the WPL 2024 auction when the UP Warriorz secured her services for an impressive INR 1.3 Crore. This move made her one of the most talked-about players in the auction, sparking interest among cricket fans and teams alike. Known for her aggressive batting style, Vrinda has been a consistent performer in India’s domestic cricket circuit, particularly for Karnataka.
Her cricketing journey is marked by significant milestones, including a standout performance at the Asian Cricket Council Women’s Emerging Teams Cup in Hong Kong. Here, she played a crucial innings of 29-ball 36 against Bangladesh A, helping India A clinch the trophy. Her ability to perform under pressure and on challenging pitches has set her apart as a top-order batter.
Vrinda’s domestic career is adorned with remarkable achievements. She was Karnataka’s highest run-scorer in the 2021-22 Women’s Senior One Day Trophy, amassing 348 runs from six matches, and continued her form into the 2022-23 season with 477 runs from 11 matches. Her performances have not only showcased her batting prowess but also her potential to contribute significantly in the T20 format, with a striking rate that speaks volumes of her aggressive approach to the game.
Apart from her batting, Vrinda is also a part-time leg-spinner, adding valuable versatility to her team. Her cricketing roots run deep, with a family background in the sport that has nurtured her passion and skills from a young age.
As Vrinda Dinesh prepares for her debut WPL season with the UP Warriorz, the cricketing world is keen to see how she translates her domestic success to the bigger stage. Her journey from a passionate young cricketer to becoming a “surprise crorepati” at the WPL 2024 auction is an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers.
As the WPL 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Vrinda Dinesh, a promising talent ready to make her mark on the international stage. Her journey so far suggests that she is a player capable of big things.
Keerthana Balakrishnan is a young and talented cricketer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who has made her way into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, playing for the Mumbai Indians. Born on October 8, 2000, Keerthana is known for her right-handed batting and leg-break bowling, making her a versatile all-rounder on the field.
Keerthana’s cricket journey is marked by her significant contributions to Tamil Nadu in domestic tournaments. Her performances caught the eye of selectors, leading to her selection for the South Zone side for the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Trophy 2023. As a leg spinner, she played a key role in her team’s campaign, showcasing her ability to lead the bowling attack effectively.
In the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2023, Keerthana emerged as one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers. Over 7 innings, she claimed a total of 12 wickets, demonstrating skillful bowling and great control with an economy rate of just 5.40. These impressive stats highlight her potential and readiness to compete at higher levels.
Keerthana’s domestic success paved the way for her entry into the WPL. The Mumbai Indians acquired her for INR 10 Lakhs at the auction in December 2023. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in her career, offering her a platform to showcase her talents on a larger stage. As the first Tamil Nadu player to be picked in the WPL, Keerthana’s selection is not just a personal achievement but also a moment of pride for her state.
As Keerthana Balakrishnan prepares for her debut season in the WPL, she carries the hopes and expectations of many who have followed her journey. Her all-round capabilities, especially her leg-spin bowling, will be crucial for the Mumbai Indians as they look to defend their title. Keerthana’s story is a testament to the growing opportunities for women in cricket, and her participation in the WPL 2024 is eagerly anticipated by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
Kanika Ahuja, born on August 7, 2002, in Patiala, Punjab, is a talented Indian cricketer who has made a name for herself as an all-rounder. She bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-break.
Kanika began her domestic career playing for Punjab in the 2017/18 season. She quickly became known for her bowling, becoming the joint-leading wicket-taker in the 2021–22 Women’s Senior One Day Trophy. In this tournament, she took 15 wickets at an impressive average of 13.13, including her best bowling figures of 5/23 against Maharashtra. Not just a bowler, Kanika also proved her mettle with the bat, scoring her highest List A score of 90 against Rajasthan.
Her performances in domestic cricket led to her selection by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) season in 2023, for INR 35 Lakhs. During her debut WPL season, she played seven matches, scoring 98 runs and taking two wickets. Her all-round abilities were on full display when she was named Player of the Match in RCB’s first win of the tournament, scoring 46 runs from 30 deliveries and taking two catches.
Kanika’s talent and hard work earned her a place in the Indian national team, making her T20 International debut against Malaysia in September 2023. She represented India at the Asian Games the same year, showcasing her skills on an international platform. Her performance in domestic and WPL cricket has made her one of the promising talents to watch out for in Indian women’s cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu, a talented all-rounder from Sri Lanka, has become a significant figure in women’s cricket. Born on February 9, 1990, she is known for her aggressive batting and consistent performance. Chamari’s journey to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 with the UP Warriorz is a story of resilience and determination.
Despite her success in international cricket, Chamari faced challenges in her career, especially in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia. Her initial seasons in the WBBL were not as successful as expected, with a modest run tally across several seasons. However, she did not let these setbacks define her career. In the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, despite being a replacement player for Sydney Thunder, she emerged as a key player, showcasing her all-round capabilities.
Chamari’s journey took a positive turn when she was signed by the UP Warriorz for the WPL 2024 as a replacement for England fast bowler Lauren Bell. This opportunity came after she was overlooked in two consecutive Women IPL auctions, a situation that would have disheartened many. However, Chamari used this rejection as motivation to prove her critics wrong.
Chamari’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: use rejection as motivation. She believes in proving her capabilities when others doubt her, a mindset that has helped her overcome challenges in her career. Her performance in the WBBL, where she ended the tournament as one of the most influential players, is a testament to her resilience and talent.
Now part of the UP Warriorz, Chamari is eager to showcase her skills in the WPL 2024. She is focused on contributing to her team’s success, emphasizing her role as a team player. Chamari’s journey from facing rejection to becoming a key player in the WPL is inspiring and one to look out for.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 is set to be thrilling with stars like Titas Sadhu, Vrinda Dinesh, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Kanika Ahuja, and Chamari Athapaththu. These players, with their unique skills and inspiring journeys, are the ones to watch. From Sadhu’s all-round abilities to Athapaththu’s resilience, each brings something special to the field. Fans are eagerly awaiting their performances as the WPL 2024 progresses.
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