Smriti Mandhana To Open With England Star; RCB's Probable XI For WPL Match Vs GG

Anurag Dasgupta

RCB Probable XI [Source: @ICC/X.com] RCB Probable XI [Source: @ICC/X.com]

The wait is finally over as the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 season gets underway on Friday, with 5 teams fighting it out for the coveted trophy. The first match of the tournament features defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) up against Gujarat Giants (GG) from the Kotambi stadium, Vadodara.

Speaking about RCB, they have a strong squad on paper and will be one of the favourites for the title. However, the side has been jolted with an injury as their breakout star, Asha Sobhana was ruled out of the season due to an injury.

Despite her absence, the team is strong in all three departments and will start as the favourites against the Giants. Ahead of the clash, we look at their probable XI for the first match.

Mandhana and Dani Wyatt to forge deadly opening combo

The dream, opening partnership of Smriti Mandhana and Dani Wyatt will take centre stage as the left-right combination are likely to open Vs the Giants. While Smriti can take some time in the middle, Wyatt will compliment her well and can be the aggressive of the two.

Interestingly, the duo have previously opened for Southern Brave and know each other's game well which will eventually benefit RCB.

A strong middle order core

In Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, RCB have a deadly middle order duo who can take down any bowling attack with utmost ease. Both of them are proven performers and Perry was also the MVP of the last season as RCB clinched the title. 

Sabbineni Meghana will also be a part of the middle order. RCB have shown a lot of faith in her and she'll look to reward the franchise with a big score. Australia's Georgia Wareham and Kim Garth will be the other two players in the middle order as RCB batting looks strong on paper.

Garth can also chip in with her brilliant bowling and on the Kotambi surface where there won't be any assistance for the bowlers, her variations will be crucial.

Spin to win for RCB

In Shreyanka Patil, one of the stars of last season and Ekta Bisht, Smriti Mandhana has two potent spin weapons and their 8 overs will be the key against Gujarat batter, who prefer pace on the ball. Patil is an experienced Indian bowler and in the absence of Sobhana will have to take most of the responsibility. The team also has Kanika Ahuja as the trio is likely to wreak havoc on Gujarat team.

Renuka Singh Thakur will be the only front-line pacer to complete the potent RCB bowling lineup against GG.

RCB Probable XI For WPL opener

Dani Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana, Sabbineni Meghana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Renuka Singh Thakur, Ekta Bisht