WPL 2023: 5 Players who might warm the bench for whole season

In the recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, we saw how some players attracted huge sums from franchises due to their impeccable records and scintillating numbers. Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma are a few names who hit the headlines after becoming some of the most expensive buys at the event. In the upcoming tournament, their contribution will be crucial in determining the fortunes of their respective franchises. 

On the contrary, there are also some names who got picked at the auction but might not make it to the playing XI even in a single match. Lack of experience, dismal numbers in recent matches, miserable records, and stiff competition from peers are some of the factors that may foil the chances of these players getting matches in the marquee event.

Here are five players who may have to wait longer than usual to feature in the playing XI:

5. Komal Zanzad

Komal Zanzad has played a lot of cricket in the domestic circuit for Vidarbha Women. Riding on her domestic experience, she broke into the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp, who bought her for 25 lakhs after Mumbai Indians chipped in to show interest in their bid. 

Although Zanzad got a buyer in RCB, she might not get to wear the red and gold jersey in the first season. Her recent performances aren't very much in her favour as she failed to make a mark for India C Women in the 2022-23 Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy. In the domestic T20 competition, the pacer took only two wickets in three matches, at an economy of 6.00. 

The presence of Renuka Singh will also affect her chances of making it to the RCB playing XI. Singh has been exceptional for India Women in the last few international games. Foreign pacers such as Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry will also bolster RCB’s pace attack.

Click here to know more about the latest news and updates of WPL Schedule 2023, WPL Squad and WPL Points table.