There’s enough been said about cricket being a religion in India. But it had a watershed moment yesterday when the ladies from RCB took home the WPL trophy. The Women’s Premier League (WPL), which had its inaugural season last year, gave Bengaluru its first win in many years, bringing people into the streets in celebration. On 17th March 2024, the Royal Challengers Bangalore stole the show with their power packed innings, securing the orange and purple caps, and went on to earn the winner title while beating the Delhi Capitals in a thrilling chase and giving us a bunch of players worth looking up. Here are some players that should be on your ‘follow the game’ list.
1. Ellyse Perry, Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ellyse Perry delivered a consistent performance throughout the tournament, earning the orange cap. She has scored over 347 runs over the course of the tournament with a strike rate of 125.72.
2. Shafali Verma, Delhi Capitols
Shafali Verma, who bats with captain Lanning at the top of the order, has been a consistent player for the Delhi Capitals, scoring 265 runs at an average of 37.85 in eight games, featuring three half-centuries and a blazing strike rate of over 155.
3. Smriti Mandhana, Royal Challengers Bangalore
An Indian cricket icon. With over 300 runs, Smriti Mandhana’s performance was one of the books. She played 10 matches with a strike rate of 133.93.
4. Deepti Sharma, UP Warriorz
She won the title of Most Valuable Player of the competition though when her team was eliminated in the earlier rounds. She’s is the only Indian spinner to take six wickets in Women’s One Day International Cricket and delivered a stellar performance in this season of WPL.
5. Meg Lanning, Delhi Capitals
Meg Lanning, who has had several successes with Australia, comes with years experience that makes her one of the most valued players in the squad. Lanning is the second-highest scorer in the competition, behind only Perry, with 331 runs at an average of 38.50 in eight matches, including four half-centuries.
6. Shreyanka Patil, Royal Challengers Bangalore
Shreyanka Patil, a local talent for Royal Challengers Bangalore, showcased amazing growth. She started the season with a five-wicket haul, went through a lean patch but picked up her pace and went on to win the Purple Cap.
