WPL 2025: The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14, with fans and players alike eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting tournament. The five-team competition has garnered significant attention, especially following the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) triumph in 2024 under Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy. As the defending champions, RCB will be keen to defend their title.
Other strong contenders like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have also made a mark in the tournament, with MI winning the inaugural edition in 2023 and Delhi finishing as runners-up. Both teams have well-established squads and are sure to be a force in the 2025 season.
WPL 2025: Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz may not have been in the spotlight as much but both have key players who could turn the tide in their favor. As the WPL continues to grow, these teams will be looking to establish themselves, and a title win in the third edition could do wonders for their brand and fanbase.
With the WPL set to begin, here’s a look at one key player from each team who could define their chances of winning the tournament:
WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants: Deandra Dottin
Deandra Dottin’s all-round prowess makes her an invaluable asset for the Gujarat Giants. As one of the most powerful strikers in the world, the West Indies player has the ability to clear boundaries with ease, making her a dangerous opponent for any bowler. Whether opening the batting or coming in at a crucial point, Dottin’s flexibility in the batting order will be key for Gujarat’s campaign.
Besides her explosive batting, Dottin is a genuine quick bowler with a range of deliveries that can trouble even the best. She is capable of opening the bowling, bowling in the middle overs, and delivering crucial yorkers and slower balls in the death overs. If Gujarat Giants are to make a mark in WPL 2025, Dottin’s contributions with both bat and ball will be pivotal.
WPL 2025: UP Warriorz: Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma, one of the best off-spinners in world cricket, has been a consistent performer for India and is expected to play a crucial role for the UP Warriorz in the 2025 edition of the WPL. Known for her ability to deceive batters with her guile and tactical bowling, Deepti can bowl in any phase of the game, making her a valuable asset for her team.
With 19 wickets in 17 WPL matches at an average of 27.68, Deepti has proven her wicket-taking ability, though her economy rate of 8.11 could be improved. However, her batting skills provide much-needed balance to the team. Deepti can bat in both the top and middle order and has shown her finishing abilities in the past. With 385 runs at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 118.82, she remains a crucial all-rounder for UP Warriorz. For them to succeed in the WPL 2025, Deepti’s all-round contributions will be vital.
WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues has emerged as one of the most improved players in Indian women’s cricket. Her stints in The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have elevated her game, and this has been reflected in her performances with Delhi Capitals.
Once known for her ability to grind out innings, Jemimah has transitioned to a more aggressive style, taking the attack to opposition bowlers right from the start. This shift in her approach has made her an invaluable asset for Delhi, and she will be pivotal in their success in WPL 2025.
Jemimah may not be as aesthetically pleasing as someone like Smriti Mandhana or as explosive as Shafali Verma, but she has a unique ability to assess the situation and adapt accordingly. With 361 runs in 18 WPL matches at an impressive strike rate of 143.82, she’s proven her ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency.
WPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore: Renuka Singh Thakur
While Smriti Mandhana’s dominance is well known, it’s Renuka Singh Thakur, the medium pacer, who could prove to be the key for RCB in defending their title. As one of the best swing bowlers in women’s cricket, Renuka has the ability to dismantle top batting line-ups, and her crucial role with the new ball will be vital for RCB’s chances.
Her booming inswingers have already left top players, including the Australians, in trouble, and she has the potential to swing the game in RCB’s favor right from the outset. However, Renuka’s effectiveness tends to fade as the ball gets older, so RCB’s strategy might involve using her early in the innings to maximize her impact. With a few injury concerns in the squad, RCB will be relying on Renuka to step up from the first match and deliver an inspiring performance with the ball.
WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews‘
Hayley Matthews is undoubtedly one of the most destructive players in women’s cricket, and she will be the X-factor for Mumbai Indians in their quest to reclaim the WPL title. While players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt are capable match-winners, Matthews stands out as someone who can win matches single-handedly.
A powerful striker of the ball, Matthews is equally proficient with the ball, making her a true all-rounder. She has been a regular opener for Mumbai Indians and has proven to be a destructive force at the top of the order.
In 19 WPL matches, Matthews has scored 451 runs and taken 23 crucial wickets. With both bat and ball, she will be key to Mumbai’s success in the third edition of the WPL. Her ability to change the course of the game with either bat or ball makes her a player to watch closely in the upcoming tournament.