The three editions of the Women's Premier League so far have been pretty successful, and now the preparations have started for the fourth season. It is the start of a new cycle, and thus, the mega auction is scheduled to take place in November.
The franchises are allowed to retain a maximum of five players. It includes a maximum of three capped players, two overseas, and at least one should be an uncapped player. However, there is no compulsion to retain five players, and different teams might adopt different strategies according to their needs and arsenals.
One of the most consistent teams in the tournament is the Delhi Capitals. They have not won the trophy but have qualified for the finals in all the three seasons and are a quality unit with full of match-winners in both batting and bowling departments. Thus, it would be a tough choice for DC management to leave out their players and here are the four cricketers they might retain ahead of the auction.
Meg Lanning
Meg Lanning is one of the most astute leaders in world cricket. Under her leadership, Australia won many titles, and she has led the Delhi Capitals with great distinction over the last three years.
Meg Lanning in WPL
Criterion
Data
Innings
27
Runs
952
Average
39.66
Strike-rate
127.10
100s/50s
0/9
Along with the leadership qualities, Meg Lanning is a world-class batter too. She has led from the front in crunch matches for DC and has scored her runs at an average of close to 40. The strike-rate is also quite decent, and she provides stability and calmness in the batting unit. Thus, Meg Lanning is likely to be the first retention for the Delhi Capitals.
Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp is one of the best all-rounders in the world and is known to bring her best to the table under pressure. She can be lethal with both new ball and at the death, and is known to pick wickets in clusters.
Marizanne Kapp in WPL
Criterion
Data
Innings
19
Runs
362
Average
32.90
Strike-rate
126.13
Wickets
28 (24 innings)
On the batting front, she has the ability to soak in pressure when required, while the South African can also use the long handle to great effect. Thus, she can bat anywhere in the line-up, which makes her an invaluable asset. Thus, DC would not like to leave a player of the quality of Kapp, and she might be the second overseas player to be retained.
Shafali Verma has been absolutely brilliant for the Delhi Capitals in the first cycle. In the last two seasons, she has scored over 300 runs, and her overall strike rate in WPL is 162.59.
Thus, her powerful start at the top of the order have been instrumental for DC's success, and she is likely to be retained for the next season. Also, she complements Meg Lanning beautifully with her aggressive approach and is a player who can single-handedly win games for her side.
Shafali Verma in WPL
Criterion
Data
Innings
27
Runs
865
Average
36.04
Strike-rate
162.59
100s/50s
0/6
She is also just 21 years old, and with more experience, she can take DC to great heights in future.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues is one of India's premier batters and has been a key asset for the Delhi Capitals as well. Her ability to read the situation and mould her game accordingly makes her one of the most complete players in the Indian cricket circuit.
Jemimah Rodrigues in WPL
Criterion
Data
Innings
24
Runs
507
Average
28.16
Strike-rate
139.66
100s/50s
0/3
Also, DC can use her potential better by giving her regular chances at number 3. It would help her make more impact and control the game, and score runs more consistently, which she could not do in the last season. Overall, she has a decent record for DC, but the management is likely to back her, and just like Shafali, she could serve the franchise for a long time.
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Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues (Source: AFP).jpg)
