As the second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2024) kicks off, excitement is brewing for another season of high-octane cricket. Delhi Capitals, runners-up in the inaugural edition, have assembled a strong squad with a blend of experience and youth.
However, with limited playing slots and fierce competition for each position, not every player will find themselves in the thick of the action. In this blog, we’ll analyze three Delhi Capitals players who might face an uphill battle to secure a place in the playing XI throughout the tournament.
3 Delhi Capital players who may not be considered for action
Jess Jonassen: The Left-Arm Dilemma
Jess Jonassen, the Australian all-rounder, was a key cog in Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit during the first WPL season, claiming nine wickets in nine matches. However, things look different in 2024. The Capitals have roped in the talented Annabel Sutherland for a whopping INR 2 crore, indicating their intent to utilize her all-around skills.
With the left-arm spin option already available in Radha Yadav, Jonassen faces stiff competition. Even if Yadav falters in the death overs, the Capitals have entrusted Titas Sadhu, a specialist death bowler, to handle those crucial moments. Jonassen’s exclusion from the playing XI in the opening match against Mumbai Indians further underlines this trend.
Poonam Yadav: The Unutilized Leg Spinner
Delhi Capitals boast the only leg spinner in their squad in Poonam Yadav. However, her lack of impact in the inaugural season raises questions about her potential involvement this year. Despite featuring in three matches in WPL 2023, Yadav remained wicketless and bowled a mere three overs.
It indicates Captain Meg Lanning’s limited confidence in her abilities. Additionally, Yadav’s contributions in batting and fielding are negligible, making her case for inclusion even weaker.
Laura Harris: The Overshadowed Striker
Laura Harris, the English batter known for her aggressive strokeplay, couldn’t find a single game in the first WPL season. With a strong batting lineup featuring overseas players like Meg Lanning, Alice Capsey, Jess Jonassen, and Marizanne Kapp, it’s likely that she’ll face similar challenges this year.
Considering the limited overseas slots (only four per match), and the presence of established Indian openers like Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, pushing Harris into the playing XI seems improbable.
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