Battle of the Best: Women's Cricket Heats Up as WPL 2025 Kicks Off!

While many couples will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14, true cricket fans will be excited for something else the return of the WPL 2025! The third season kicks off in Vadodara, making it the first time the city will host WPL matches.

This year the tournament is bigger than ever, and it will be played in four cities – Vadodara, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Lucknow. It is going to be a month of exciting cricket. The winner of 2023 was Mumbai Indians and the winner of 2024 was Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but who will be the champion of 2025?

While the Men’s ICC Champions Trophy is coming up soon, the next 29 days will be all about the best of women’s cricket!

RCB’s Title Defense: A New Challenge Awaits

Last year, RCB finally laid the trophy on the table after a long time and this year Smriti Mandhana and her team is looking to defend the title. But, it won’t be easy for them as they have injuries and player withdrawals in their team. First, there is Sophie Devine who is taking a break, then there are Sophie Molineux and Kate Cross who are ruled out. More bad news for them – their 2024 savior, Ellyse Perry, is struggling with a hip injury, and she has arrived in India.

To address these gaps RCB has signed Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, and Heather Graham. The middle order has a bright addition in Raghvi Bist, while Under-19 sensation VJ Joshitha adds depth to their pace attack. Even with Mandhana firing on all cylinders, RCB still has an excellent chance of making it to the finals let alone retaining their crown.

Mumbai Indians: From Heartbreak to Redemption

For two seasons in a row, Mumbai Indians (MI) have been dominant in the league stage, but their 2024 campaign ended in heartbreak with a loss to RCB in the Eliminator. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is determined to go all the way this time.

Their star trio Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, and Amelia Kerr remain the backbone of the squad, while young Saika Ishaque continues to impress as their top Indian bowler.

With Nadine de Klerk coming in and Pooja Vastrakar ruled out due to fitness issues, MI’s all-rounder strength will be put to the test. Keep an eye on Akshita Maheshwari, a talented seam-bowling all-rounder who could be a surprise package this season!

Delhi Capitals: Chasing Glory After Near Misses

For two years in a row, Delhi Capitals (DC) ruled the league stage without any trophy win. But this season, they are laser-sharp in their sights to win the WPL 2025 trophy. Meg Lanning, the league's highest run-scorer ever, will once again spearhead the attack, and with Shafali Verma at the center of the top order, their batting unit is one of the toughest in the tournament.

DC's strategy is simple: remain true to the formulas that have succeeded while refining the particulars. With a rich talent pool and loads of experience in big-time games, they're ready to make that ultimate leap into immortality.

Gujarat Giants: A New Leader, A Fresh Start

After two tough seasons at the bottom of the table, Gujarat Giants (GG) are eager for a fresh start. With Ashleigh Gardner now leading the team instead of Beth Mooney, they’re hoping for a stronger, more competitive run this time.

They’ve made some big moves in the auction, adding the experienced Deandra Dottin and young talent Simran Shaikh to strengthen their batting. Danielle Gibson brings extra pace to their bowling attack, while leg-spinner Prakashika Naik is a promising player to watch.

Can the Giants finally turn things around and leave their struggles behind?

UP Warriorz: A New Leader and a Home Advantage

It’s a fresh chapter for UP Warriorz (UPW) as Deepti Sharma steps up as captain after Alyssa Healy was ruled out due to injury. Deepti was their standout player last season, and now she’ll be leading from the front, both with the bat and ball.

Chamari Athapaththu is the biggest name in their squad, set to open the innings and chip in with her handy off-spin. Meanwhile, Sophie Ecclestone, WPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, remains their go-to bowler. Young pacer Kranti Goud could be a surprise package, especially in a squad that lacks pace options.

With home games in Lucknow for the first time, the Warriorz will be hoping the local fans give them the extra push they need to fight for a playoff spot!