WPL 2023: Performance of most expensive buy of each team

Smriti Mandhana. (Photo Source: JioCinema)

A successful chapter in women’s cricket kickstarted on March 4 with the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians were crowned champions after cruising to a seven-wicket victory against Delhi Capitals in the summit clash of the top-tier league.

Mumbai and Delhi were two of the most consistent sides in the WPL that displayed scintillating cricket for fans to cherish. Notably, Mumbai kickstarted their campaign with five wins on the trot and were denied a sixth one by UP Warriorz followed by another loss to Delhi. Interestingly, the Mumbai team prevailed against the same two franchises in the playoffs and the final to clinch the glittery trophy.

The hype and the buzz surrounding the mega cricket carnival in women’s cricket increased ten folds following the auction in February. Numerous top-draw cricketers earned big bucks after triggering a bidding war between franchises and garnered massive attention in the auction. While some players lived up to the price tag, a few others failed to create much impact despite franchises splurging massive amounts of money. On that note, we take a look at the performances of the most expensive buy of each team.

Performance of the most expensive buy of each team

5. Jemimah Rodrigues (Delhi Capitals) – INR 2.20 cr.

Among the big names in the Indian setup, Jemimah Rodrigues was roped in by Delhi Capitals for a mammoth INR 2.20 cr. in the auction. The flamboyant middle-order batter entertained the fans through and through with her on-field antics during the course of the WPL.

However, she failed to create the required impact for the side with the bat. The 22-year-old could only amass 126 runs in nine outings at a strike rate of 128.57, with her best performance being an unbeaten 34 runs.

That said, on numerous occasions she kept the scoreboard ticking and helped raise vital partnerships to get her team ahead in the contest. Furthermore, she also saved a good number of runs with her electrifying fielding which came as big help for the side. She will aim for an improved season next year and look to come all guns blazing with the bat.

4. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – INR 2.60 cr.

The all-rounder was signed by UP Warriorz for INR 2.6 crore in the auction and was named the deputy of the franchise in the WPL. Despite the massive price tag, the 25-year-old endured a terrible run even after there were a lot of expectations from her to come big with the bat and with the ball in the lucrative T20 league.

Slight glimpses of her cunning game awareness were on display for the run-outs she made, however, that seemed to be the only highlight in her campaign. The all-rounder managed to score just 90 runs in nine matches and got nine wickets in the league.

Deepti concluded her lackluster campaign with an underwhelming average of 8.87 with the ball and a dismal strike rate of 83.33 with the bat. The all-rounder will need to reflect on her game and hope for a better season in 2024.

3. Natalie Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians) – INR 3.20 cr.

English all-rounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt relished a tremendous season with the Mumbai Indians as she stepped up during the crunch moments of the game on numerous outings. Furthermore, she played a title-winning knock in the finals of the WPL against Delhi Capitals as she got 60 runs off 55 balls and was adjudged Player of the Match.

Roped in for a humongous INR 3.20 crore, Mumbai’s most expensive pick lived up to her potential in the league. The swashbuckling all-rounder was the second batter to have got 300+ runs and was the second-highest run-getter (332 runs) in the WPL.

Adding to this, she also scalped 10 wickets in 10 matches for the side. Nat Sciver-Brunt was a vital cog for the franchise and struck the perfect balance, both with the bat and ball to give her side an edge in the tournament.

2. Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants) – INR 3.20 cr.

The No. 1 all-rounder in women’s T20Is, hit the jackpot as Gujarat Giants acquired her services for INR 3.20 crore. Gardner relished a decent season as in some matches she justified her top billing among the overseas recruits whereas in a few, she failed to hand the edge for her side.

She got 10 wickets to her name in her eight outings for the Giants, however, she proved to be expensive in most games. Gardner concluded the season with an economy of 9.21. Adding to this, she laced two fifties and got 204 runs in her eight games.

Overall, Gardner had a decent campaign, however, her true potential is yet to be witnessed in the league. She will aim to get back to her best form next season.

1. Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – INR 3.40 cr.

Royal Challengers Bangalore swiftly raised the paddle and engaged in a bidding war with rival teams to get star batter Smriti Mandhana on their side. The franchise broke the bank, making her the costliest pick in the auction for INR 3.40 cr.

While it was expected that she would fire for the side in the season, Mandhana failed to deliver the goods for the franchise. Moreover, she felt the heat following consecutive losses at the start of the season which was reflected in her batting performance.

Unable to play her natural game, Mandhana failed to notch up a single half-century, let alone a ton. In her eight matches, the skipper got 149 runs with her highest knock being 37 runs and a dismal average of 18.62. She will hope to get back in her element the next time she dons the RCB jersey in the 2024 season.