WPL 2025: 3 Players Smriti Mandhana’s RCB Will Target in Auction
The WPL 2025 auction is set for December 15 in Bengaluru. With 120 players registered—91 Indians and 29 overseas—teams will fight for 19 slots, including five for foreigners.
Reigning champions RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, must fill four slots. Two must be for Indian players, and two for overseas players. Here are the three players RCB is likely to target in the auction.
Deandra Dottin
The explosive West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin is a top auction target. Known for her ability to dominate games with both bat and ball, Dottin is a proven match-winner in the T20 format.
- 2024 T20 World Cup Performance: Dottin scored runs at an impressive average of 40 and a strike rate of 162.16. She also picked up five wickets with her bowling.
- WBBL 2024: She proved her skills with a stellar performance in the Women’s Big Bash League.
- Career Stats: In 132 T20Is for West Indies, Dottin has two centuries. She is a top power-hitter in women’s cricket.
Her franchise league experience and clutch performance make her ideal for RCB. Expect RCB to make a big push for Dottin to add firepower to their batting lineup and balance their team.
Kim Garth
Kim Garth, an all-rounder from Australia, was born in Ireland. She is a strong contender for RCB’s overseas slots. Garth, a former Gujarat Giants player in the WPL, has excelled globally.
- WPL 2023 Performance: In seven matches for Gujarat, she took 11 wickets and scored some runs.
- T20 Career Stats: Garth has 47 wickets in 57 T20Is and a batting average of 23.15.
- WBBL 2024: She continued her form by picking 10 wickets in nine innings at an economy rate of 6.19 and an average of 15.
With RCB releasing South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, Garth could fill the void. He would add bowling depth and batting stability. Her experience in key moments and economical bowling make her a valuable addition to the squad.
Sneh Rana
Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana is another player who could attract RCB’s attention. A proven performer in domestic cricket, Rana is an all-rounder. She is known for her composure under pressure and her versatility.
- Bowling Strength: Rana’s off-breaks provide control, especially in tough situations. She has the temperament to bowl in powerplay and death overs.
- Leadership Experience: Rana captained Gujarat Giants in the WPL’s first season. Her performance dipped in the second season.
- Room for Redemption: She scored only 13 runs and took no wickets in four matches last season. But, her skills and experience still make her a valuable asset.
Rana can also bat in the lower middle order. This makes her a good option for RCB as they seek to strengthen their domestic core.
Why These Players Make Sense for RCB
RCB’s four open slots require strategic signings to maintain their championship-winning balance. Adding Deandra Dottin and Kim Garth would boost their overseas strength. Sneh Rana would add depth and flexibility to their Indian players.
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, is targeting experienced all-rounders. It’s a move to fix gaps in their lineup before WPL 2025.
