Six matches into the ongoing WPL 2025, the action now shifts from Vadodara to Bengaluru. Fans at the Kotambi Stadium witnessed plenty of excitement, from the highest successful chase in tournament history to thrilling last-over finishes.
After the Vadodara leg, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru sit at the top of the table with two wins in two matches, collecting four points with a strong net run rate (+1.440). Gujarat Giants’ Ashleigh Gardner leads the run-scoring charts with 141 runs in three innings at an average of 70.50 and a strike rate of 178.48, including two fifties.
With the ball, four bowlers—MI’s Hayley Matthews, RCB’s Renuka Singh, DC’s Annabel Sutherland, and GG’s Priya Mishra—are tied for the most wickets, each with five wickets. As the tournament progresses, all five teams will aim to build on their positives while addressing key areas for improvement in the upcoming matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Positives
The defending champions have been superb in all three departments so far, winning both of their matches convincingly. In their opening game, they pulled off the highest-ever successful chase in WPL history, chasing 202 runs with six wickets in hand against Gujarat Giants. After Ellyse Perry’s half-century, Richa Ghosh (64* off 27) and Kanika Ahuja (30* off 13) put together an unbeaten 93-run stand for the fifth wicket in just 6.1 overs to seal the victory.
In the second match against Delhi Capitals, skipper Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a brilliant 81-run knock, while Danni Wyatt contributed 42 off 33 balls.
With the ball, Renuka Singh Thakur was outstanding against DC, claiming three wickets for 23 runs in four overs and earning the Player of the Match award. Kim Garth has also been consistent in both games, showing great promise. While RCB struggled with death bowling in their first game against Gujarat, they quickly improved in the second match, delivering a much better performance as a bowling unit.
RCB fans were initially worried about their spin attack due to the absence of Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana. However, Ekta Bisht, Georgia Wareham, and Kanika Ahuja have stepped up, taking crucial wickets in the middle overs. Against Gujarat, RCB also impressed in the field with sharp catching and excellent ground fielding.
One of the most encouraging signs has been the performance of the Indian core. Even debutant Raghvi Bisht showed composure during the high-pressure chase in the first game, playing sensibly according to the situation.
Concerns
RCB have chased successfully in both games, winning convincingly each time. Now, it will be interesting to see how they perform when batting first. Can they maintain the same intent and approach while setting a target? That remains to be seen.
Another key point is the utilisation of youngster Joshitha VJ. The recent U19 T20 World Cup winner has played in both matches, but out of the six overs she has bowled, four have come during the middle and death overs.
However, Joshitha’s success in the U19 World Cup came with the new ball, where her pace and swing troubled batters. It appears that the RCB management has opted for the experienced duo of Renuka Singh Thakur and Kim Garth to take the new ball instead.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Positives
DC have won two out of their three games so far, but things weren’t looking great for the two-time runners-up initially. However, their last match brought relief to DC fans as skipper Meg Lanning returned to form. After looking a bit rusty in the first two games, she found her rhythm against UP Warriorz, scoring 69 off 49 balls.
Shafali Verma has also provided brisk starts, setting the tone for the team. Marizanne Kapp, who missed the first match, made a comeback in the second game but didn’t perform at her best. However, against UPW, her all-round brilliance (1/30 and 29* off 17) played a crucial role in DC’s victory. Annabel Sutherland also finally showcased her class, delivering a Player of the Match-winning performance with both bat and ball.
Another big positive was the inclusion of youngster Niki Prasad in the playing XI for their first match. The recent U19 T20 World Cup-winning captain won the Player of the Match award for her batting contribution, earning another opportunity in the third game.
Before the tournament, one big question for DC’s management was which wicketkeeper-batter to include in the playing XI. With Sarah Bryce being from Scotland, an associate nation, DC had the advantage of including five overseas players—and they made the most of it. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, as Sarah impressed both with her aggressive batting down the order and her sharp glove work behind the stumps.
Concerns
DC’s spinners need to improve their performances. Whether it’s Radha Yadav, Minnu Mani, or Alice Capsey, they have struggled to take wickets and contain runs.
There are also questions about the team selection, particularly the decision to pick Arundhati Reddy and Shikha Pandey over Titas Sadhu. While Arundhati and Shikha have similar styles, Titas could add variety to the pace attack. However, it seems DC’s management is prioritising Arundhati and Shikha’s batting abilities, which is why they continue to go with this pair.
DC’s success largely depends on their opening duo of Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma. Most of their WPL defeats have come when these two failed to score big or stay at the crease for long, as the middle order has struggled to step up. Just like in the UPW game, DC fans will hope for more consistency from the middle order. Otherwise, in a must-win match, another collapse could see them getting knocked out.
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Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI suffered a narrow loss against DC but bounced back strongly with a five-wicket win over GG. The biggest positive has been the form of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has scored back-to-back fifties. After a disappointing Ashes campaign, she has made a strong comeback, which was much needed for Mumbai.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also played an aggressive knock and looked in good touch. Another key move by MI has been the inclusion of youngsters G Kamalini and Parunika Sisodia, both recent U19 T20 World Cup winners.
A major positive has been the impact of veteran pacer Shabnim Ismail. She has led the bowling attack brilliantly, conceding just 35 runs in eight overs while taking two wickets at an economy of 4.38. Even in the field, her energy and intent at 36 years of age have been commendable and truly inspiring for the team.
Concerns
After a fantastic domestic season, it was expected that Saika Ishaque would start for MI, and she did in the first game. However, she had a disappointing outing and was eventually replaced by youngster Parunika Sisodia in the second match.
Was this the right decision from MI’s management? Should they have given an already proven player another chance or two? These questions are now being raised, and there are concerns about whether such decisions could have a negative impact on the squad’s morale.
Meanwhile, openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews need to step up their performances, along with Amelia Kerr’s batting. While Kerr has been effective with the ball, she has not delivered with the bat as she and MI fans would have expected.
Gujarat Giants (GG)
Positives
A new era has begun for GG under their new captain, Ashleigh Gardner, and she has led from the front. Though they have won only one of their three matches so far, Gardner’s performances with both bat and ball have been the highlight for the team.
Some fans were initially unhappy with Harleen Deol being pushed down the batting order, but she has justified the team management’s decision with crucial knocks in tough situations. Deandra Dottin has also shown her class, delivering powerful strikes in the first two games.
Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra has impressed with her ability to vary her pace, line, and length as needed. In the last match, Kashvee Gautam also showcased her all-round potential, adding more depth to GG’s squad.
Concerns
Despite having big names like Beth Mooney and Laura Wolvaardt, GG’s top three batters have struggled across three games. Mooney scored a fifty in the opening match but has failed to deliver consistently—something she is known for. Wolvaardt has also appeared indecisive while playing her shots, which has cost her wicket.
Dayalan Hemalatha will likely be disappointed with her performances, as she has fallen to spinners in every match so far. GG spent a hefty amount to secure Simran Shaikh for her explosive batting down the order, but she has failed to make an impact with the bat. Additionally, her fielding has looked clumsy at times.
Pacer Sayali Satghare has also struggled, failing to find her line and length while conceding runs at a high rate.
As a fielding unit, GG needs to improve significantly. Missed chances, poor catching, and a lack of clear communication have cost them games—especially against RCB and MI, where better fielding could have changed the outcome.
UP Warriorz (UPW)
Positives
Things have not gone according to plan for UP Warriorz as they have lost two games so far under the new leadership of Deepti Sharma. The UPW squad has many inexperienced but promising young Indian players and among them, Kiran Nagvire and Shweta Sehrawat have proven their potential. Against DC, Nagvire smashed a blistering fifty while Shweta played a sensible knock to post a competitive total on the board. Chinelle Henry came in as the replacement for Alyssa Healy and she got a chance in the last game. Henry smashed 33* off 15, coming lower down the order and left UPW fans excited.
Concerns
On paper, UPW might have one of the best spin trios with Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, and either Alana King or Rajeshwari Gayakwad. However, they have struggled to take wickets and contain runs, failing to put pressure on the opposition.
Uma Chetry, who recently made her T20I debut for India as a top-order batter, was used at No. 3 in the first game. But in the second match, despite UPW losing seven wickets, she didn’t get a chance to bat. This decision surprised fans and could affect a player’s mindset, raising concerns over the clarity of her role within the team.
Before the tournament, all eyes were on the Australian duo of Grace Harris and Tahlia McGrath. However, both have underperformed in the first two matches, failing to make a significant impact. UPW must address this quickly if they want to turn their campaign around.
The Bengaluru leg is set to begin tomorrow, 21 February, with RCB taking on MI at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in front of the home crowd.
