The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) came to an end as Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 7 wickets in the finals played at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on 26 March 2023.
It was a memorable tournament for all 5 teams including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Giants. The WPL saw some young Indian talent showcase their skills against the world’s best international and Indian players.
There were some decent performances that stood out and could be selected for the Indian national team in the shortest format.
Here we look at the 3 youngsters who could get a chance in Indian Team after having a great WPL:
- Saika Ishaque
The left-arm spin bowler played a key role in helping Mumbai Indians win the WPL title. She produced magical spells in the tournament with wickets early and not allowing the opposing batters to hit big shots. She was bought by the Mumbai Indians franchise in the auction for Rs 10 Lakhs.
Ishaque bowled with great control picking 15 wickets from 10 matches ( 10 innings) at an economy of 7 runs per over. She registered the best figures of 4 for 11 in the tournament and proved very tough to face.
Despite not picking wickets in the finals against Delhi Capitals, Ishqaue gave away just 28 runs in her 4 overs. With her accuracy and ability to put pressure on the opponent batters, Saika could be drafted into the T20I squad keeping in the mind World Cup to be played in 2024.
- Kanika Ahuja
Kanika Ahuja looked impressive with her shot-making style to put opponent bowlers under pressure. She was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise for Rs 35 Lakhs during the auction.
Ahuja had a decent outing in the tournament with 98 runs from 7 matches with a strike rate of 132.43. She delivered a match-winning knock against UPW Warriorz scoring 46 runs in a quick time helping Royal Challengers Bangalore register its first win of the tournament.
For her match-winning knock, Kanika Ahuja was named the player of the match. Kanika Ahuja could be given a chance as she can hit big shots and make life tough for the opponent bowlers with her innovative shots.
- Parshavi Chopra
The Under 19 T20 Cup winner Parshavi Chopra was bought by UP Warriorz side for Rs 10 Lakhs. She looked impressive in the 4 matches she played in this tournament.
She looked impressive in the match against Gujarat Giants picking up wickets of Dayalan Hemalatha and then Ash Gardner. Despite going for runs, Chopra deceived the batters with variations and not allowed them to score runs.
Chopra went at an economy rate of 8.16 runs per over but could be an asset for the Indian national team as Poonam Yadav has been struggling for form and is not a part of the squad.
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