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The highly anticipated Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 is set to kick off on February 23, with the final match scheduled for March 17. Teams are gearing up for another thrilling season, aiming to outshine their rivals and claim the coveted title.
Delhi Capitals’ redemption journey
In the previous edition of WPL, the Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged as one of the top-performing teams, securing a direct path to the final. However, they faced a defeat against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the championship clash. Determined to redeem themselves, the Capitals have made strategic additions to their squad in the WPL 2024 auction, signaling their intent for a stronger campaign.
Strategic squad additions and leadership dynamics
Notable acquisitions during the WPL auction in the form of the joint-most expensive purchase Annabel Sutherland for Rs 2 crore, have bolstered Delhi’s lineup. The retirement of Meg Lanning from international cricket raised curiosity about her impact at the franchise level, especially considering her influential leadership in the previous season. The astute decision-making and leadership qualities of Meg Lanning were crucial in guiding the team to the final, making her an invaluable asset.
Also READ: WPL 2024 Opening Ceremony: Date, Venue, Time, Performers and all other details
Anjum Chopra selects Delhi Capitals’ playing XI for Bangalore leg in WPL 2024
Anjum Chopra believed that Delhi Capitals look stronger this season, citing the significant addition of Sutherland. She selected top-five batters for the Capitals and included Lanning, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp and Sutherland. In the bowling department, the former India captain envisioned an overseas position battle between Alice Capsey and Jess Jonassen, highlighting the team’s depth and competition for spots.
Chopra emphasized that the Capitals exhibit few weaknesses, with their bowling unit standing out as a formidable strength. Players like all-rounder Radha Yadav, bowler Shikha Pandey wicketkeeper Taniya Bhatia, and others add depth and balance to the squad. Chopra further acknowledged the tough decision of selecting 12 players instead of 11, emphasizing the team’s overall strength and competitive spirit.
“Let me tell you my picks for the Delhi Capitals’ first XI for the matches in Bangalore – Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland. I feel Alice Capsey should get a place here ahead of Jess Jonassen. So the four internationals and bowling will be covered. So the rest will be Alice Capsey, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Shikha Pandey, Taniya Bhatia, Arundhati Reddy and Minnu Mani,” Chopra said on her Youtube channel.
Strategic shift in batting order
Cricket analyst Chopra, in her probable playing eleven for the Capitals during the Bangalore leg, has proposed a bold move. She suggested opening with Rodrigues instead of Verma, aiming to capitalize on Rodrigues’ strengths at the top of the order. This strategic shift, if implemented, could add a new dimension to the Capitals’ batting approach.
“The challenge will be who will open between Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma. Of course, we will go towards Shafali Verma, but I feel they should keep an option open for Jemimah Rodrigues. If Shafali Verma goes down the order and Marizanne Kapp comes up, it can assist the Delhi Capitals,” Chopra concluded.
Also READ: Women’s Premier League: Complete schedule for WPL 2024; Mumbai Indians to meet Delhi Capitals in the opener
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
