The Women’s Premier League (WPL) inaugural edition has begun today and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the event as it will provide a much-needed impetus to women’s cricket in India. In the auction, the five franchises vied for the best Indian players, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a significant investment in its team. RCB’s successful auction strategy resulted in a strong team on paper, giving their fans confidence. Here are the three reasons why RCB is considered the favorite to win WPL 2023.
Experience and Leadership
Smriti Mandhana, the young captain of RCB, carries the weight of high expectations and pressure of delivering the maiden trophy to the franchise. However, her experience and a squad of dependable players will help her easily handle the pressure. The RCB squad boasts of leaders like Heather Knight, Sophie Devine, and Ellyse Perry, who have led their national teams and tasted success in ICC events. The combination of experience, leadership, and a winning mindset gives RCB the edge over other Women’s Premier League teams.
The Ultimate Match-Winning Team: Assembling a Star-Studded Lineup
RCB has a star-studded squad of match winners, including captain Smriti Mandhana who can single-handedly take the game away with her brilliant batting. Megan Schutt was the second-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup with 10 wickets in six matches. Renuka Singh and Richa Ghosh also proved themselves as match-winners during the tournament. With such a talented team, RCB is the favorite to be crowned WPL champions.
The Well-Balanced Squad
RCB boasts a well-rounded squad with a perfect blend of youth and experience. Young Indian players like Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, and Sahana Pawar can learn from legends like Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine. The squad includes nine all-rounders, providing captain Smriti Mandhana with multiple options. Batters like Smriti and Perry can build innings, while Richa Ghosh can go berserk with the bat. RCB’s balanced team composition makes them the favorites to win the inaugural WPL championship.
