Women's Premier League 2024
WPL 2024: Five Indian cricketers under pressure to regain their form
This list delves into the challenges and expectations surrounding these individuals.
As the much-anticipated WPL 2024 season unfolds, the spotlight is on five Indian cricket players seeking redemption and a resurgence of form. This list delves into the challenges and expectations surrounding these individuals, emphasising the significance of their performances in the upcoming tournament.
#5. Sneh Rana
Sneh Rana faces a crucial stint in the WPL as her recent poor form raises the stakes. The young all-rounder endured a lacklustre performance in the recent home series, managing only 1 run in 1 ODI and 9 runs across 2 Test innings against Australia. While she showcased her bowling prowess with an impressive 7-wicket haul in the Tests, her batting contributions were subpar.
In the upcoming WPL, Rana must reclaim her batting form to complement her bowling skills. A strong performance is not only vital for personal redemption but also crucial for maintaining her standing in the team, highlighting the significance of her role in the tournament.
#4. Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues faces a critical juncture in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as she strives to revive her form. Struggling in recent T20Is, the young batter’s subpar performances in the home series against Australia (average of 10.50) and England (average of 21) have raised concerns.
With poor runs in the shortest format, Rodrigues needs a stellar WPL season to regain confidence and make a statement. While she had a decent run in ODI cricket, her T20 struggles underscore the significance of a strong showing in the WPL, providing an opportunity for Rodrigues to silence critics and re-establish herself as a potent force in the format.
#3. Pooja Vastrakar
Pooja Vastrakar faces a crucial juncture in her career as she enters the WPL, desperately needing a standout performance to regain her lost form. Struggling in recent months, the young pacer faltered in the home series, managing only 3 wickets in both T20Is and ODIs with a concerning strike rate of 56.00.
Despite a promising display in the Test match, taking six wickets, Vastrakar needs sustained excellence.
Her glimpses of a comeback demand reinforcement, placing her under immense pressure to deliver consistently and reclaim her position as a formidable force in the bowling department. WPL becomes the stage where she must rise to the challenge and prove her mettle.
#2. Smriti Mandhana
Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Smriti Mandhana faces mounting pressure to rediscover her form in the WPL as her recent performances have been underwhelming. Struggling in the past few months, the RCB skipper had a disappointing home series.
She scored a mere 106 runs in 3 T20I innings, 63 in 2 ODI innings, and 112 runs in 2 Test innings against Australia. Despite glimpses of a comeback, Mandhana needs a consistent and impactful display in the WPL to alleviate concerns about her form, ensuring she returns to the top of her game and reaffirms her standing as a key contributor in Indian women’s cricket.
#1. Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur faces immense pressure to regain form in the upcoming WPL season, given her recent struggles. The Indian skipper endured a poor run in the last few months, notably failing to perform in the recent home series. As the Mumbai Indians‘ skipper, tasked with defending the WPL title, Kaur’s form is crucial.
With only 9 runs in 2 T20I innings, 17 in 3 ODI innings, and a duck in the Test against Australia, she will be determined to rectify her performances and lead by example, alleviating the mounting pressure on her shoulders. A successful WPL campaign could mark a significant resurgence for Kaur.