WPL 2025: Captains Preview Season, Meg Lanning Hails Women’s Cricket Growth
WPL 2025: Captains Share Insights as Season Kicks Off
Before the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, captains from all five teams met for the WPL Captain’s Huddle. They talked about their teams, what to expect from the tournament, and how women’s cricket is growing.
Mumbai Indians’ Harmanpreet Kaur on WPL’s Influence
Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur is excited for the new season. She pointed out how the league has helped grow Indian women’s cricket.
“I am very excited because this season, a lot of good talent has been picked by all the teams. Last season, we saw players who performed well and earned their place in the national team. This year, I expect an even more competitive tournament as domestic cricketers have prepared themselves thoroughly for this opportunity,” Kaur stated at the Star Sports Press Room.
She emphasized the evolution of domestic players, particularly in their batting approach.
“One noticeable improvement in domestic cricket has been the strike rates of batters. This season, we saw multiple 300+ run scores in domestic matches, showing a more aggressive approach. Players are working on power-hitting, fielding, and overall skill development which is a very good thing.”
UP Warriorz’ Deepti Sharma on Leadership and Alyssa Healy’s Absence
Deepti Sharma, the new captain of UP Warriorz, shared her thoughts on leading the team while Alyssa Healy is away.
“I am excited about captaining in the WPL. I have led my state team before, so I will draw from that experience. This is a different challenge, but I love challenges no matter the level.”
“Alyssa has been an integral part of the team. She led the side brilliantly in the last two seasons, and we will miss her presence. But with this opportunity, I want the team to play a strong brand of cricket. We had a good run in the first season but lost momentum last year. This time, we aim to be more consistent and put in our best performances.”
She noted the team’s uneven performance last season. She stressed a fresh approach for WPL 2025.
Gujarat Giants’ Ashleigh Gardner on Team Strategy
Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner talked about the team’s struggles over the past two seasons. She also shared her confidence in their preparations.
“The past two seasons are behind us. We can’t change that, but we can certainly focus on what’s ahead. Our coaches have instilled a fearless approach, and we have strengthened our squad with international depth and young domestic talent. We are in a strong position to perform better this year.”
“At times, communication can be tricky. Meg Lanning might agree with me on this! But that’s where senior Indian players play a crucial role in bridging the gap and ensuring clarity. Everyone in the squad shares the same goal, so clear communication and instilling confidence in my players will be key for us.”
She talked about communication challenges in a diverse team. However, she credited Indian senior players for helping to bridge the language gap.
RCB’s Smriti Mandhana on Key Players and Sophie Devine’s Absence
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana talked about her team’s great auction. She also highlighted some young players to keep an eye on.
“We had a great auction, and the domestic season was impressive in terms of overall quality. I am really excited about a few players—Prema Rawat is an amazing talent, Raghvi Bist has great potential, and Kanika Ahuja is making a comeback after an injury. I am looking forward to seeing them perform in WPL.”
On Sophie Devine’s absence, she stated:
“Sophie Devine has been one of the best all-rounders in the world and played a key role for us. We will definitely miss her, but mental well-being is more important than anything, and we respect that. Despite injuries to key players, we will step up as a team. Playing at Chinnaswamy Stadium with RCB fans backing us is always special, and we are looking forward to that support.”
Delhi Capitals’ Meg Lanning on WPL’s Growing Popularity
Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning noted the rising global influence of WPL. She also mentioned the warm welcome for women’s cricket in India.
“We all know how passionate India is about cricket. The support we received last season, especially in Bangalore, was overwhelming. It’s great to see the women’s game getting this level of recognition, and a tournament like WPL plays a crucial role in growing the sport globally.”
On whether WPL 2025 will see its first century, Lanning confidently predicted:
“I’m surprised it hasn’t happened already! I expect at least two or three centuries this season.”
When asked who could score the first WPL century, Harmanpreet Kaur playfully responded:
“I’ll take my name!”
WPL 2025 looks exciting! With hopeful captains and ready teams, it will boost women’s cricket worldwide.