Having ended up as the last two teams in Season 1 of the 5-team women’s T20 league, both have plenty to prove in the second edition starting on Friday.
With victories in just two of their eight league games, Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore had a forgettable inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) last year. There was balance and firepower in both squads but neither could get on a roll and make a push for the playoffs. For Gujarat, a strong start will be crucial as they aim to bounce back from their bottom finish in 2023. A lot will depend on skipper Beth Mooney. The 30-year-old Australian player got injured in the first game and missed the rest of the tournament. This time though she heads in with great confidence after scoring heavily across formats against South Africa recently.
Mooney has the appetite for big knocks and whether she walks in at the top or the middle order, Gujarat’s batting is likely to revolve around her. Phoebe Litchfield, another Australian left-hander, was roped in by GG for ₹1 crore and will be one to watch out for. A gun fielder, the 20-year-old was a standout performer on the India tour in December-January. Aussie Ash Gardner and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt too are class acts in Gujarat’s squad, while established Indians Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol, Meghna Singh, D Hemalatha and Veda Krishnamurthy too will have to step up for their team to remain in contention.
