As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) gears up for its second edition, two franchises, the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Gujarat Giants have been compelled to adjust their rosters due to unforeseen injuries. Kanika Ahuja of Bangalore and Kashvee Gautam of the Giants have been sidelined from the tournament, prompting the teams to sign new players to fortify their lineups.
Kanika Ahuja, a crucial component of the Bangalore franchise in the WPL’s inaugural edition, will not feature in the upcoming season due to a stress fracture. Her absence is particularly significant given her notable contributions last year, where she was a consistent presence in the team, playing in seven out of eight games. She boasted a total of 98 runs and claimed 2 wickets, even earning Player of the Match for her remarkable 32-ball 46 in a game against the UP Warriorz. The loss of such a reliable player is a setback that RCB has moved swiftly to address.
On the other side, Kashvee Gautam was poised to make her WPL debut as the most expensive uncapped Indian player after the Giants acquired her services for an impressive Rs. 2 crore. Her absence is a major disappointment for the team, especially after her stellar performance in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, where she claimed 12 wickets across seven matches. Additionally, her talents were showcased in the India A series against England A, where she made significant contributions.
To fill the voids left by these players, both franchises have made strategic signings. The Bangalore team has roped in left-arm pacer Shradda Pokharkhar, a move announced via their social media platforms. A statement from the franchise lauded Shradda’s domestic performances and highlighted her experience with the India senior side as a net bowler, suggesting that she will be a valuable addition to the Red & Gold brigade. The Gujarat Giants, in response to losing Gautam, have brought in bowling all-rounder Sayali Sathgare. Both new signees have been brought on board for the reserve price of Rs 10 lakhs, reflecting the franchises’ aim to maintain strong and balanced squads as they head into the WPL 2024.
These latest developments in the team compositions highlight the unpredictability and dynamism of cricket, where injuries and player availability can dramatically alter the course of a team’s strategy. As both Pokharkhar and Sathgare join the ranks of their respective teams for the reserve price, they carry with them the expectations to fill the shoes of their predecessors and to contribute significantly to their teams’ aspirations in the league.
The forthcoming season of the WPL promises to bring the same excitement and competitive spirit that characterized its first edition. Cricket enthusiasts are looking forward to the tournament’s commencement on February 23, where last year’s finalists, Mumbai Indians Women and Delhi Capitals Women, are slated to go head-to-head at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With these new signings and the ever-changing dynamics of team rosters, the WPL 2024 is shaping up to be an unpredictable and thrilling contest, sure to captivate fans worldwide.
