In a major setback for the Gujarat Giants, their star player, the uncapped talent Kashvee Gautam, has been sidelined due to injury just ahead of the highly anticipated Women’s Premier League (WPL). Kashvee, who commanded an eye-popping Rs 2 crore in the auction, had been a linchpin in the team’s strategy.
To fill the void left by Kashvee’s absence, the Gujarat Giants swiftly turned to Mumbai’s Sayali Sathgare, securing her services at a reserve price of Rs 10 lakhs. The team management hopes that Sayali’s inclusion will bolster their lineup and maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) also faced their own setback as the talented India all-rounder Kanika Ahuja had to withdraw due to injury. Ahuja, who was acquired for Rs 35 lakh in the previous auction and subsequently retained, made a significant impact with 98 runs from seven games, including a top score of 46 against the UP Warriorz. Additionally, she chipped in with a couple of wickets at an impressive economy rate of five runs per over.
In response to Ahuja’s unfortunate situation, RCB acted swiftly, securing the services of Maharashtra’s left-arm fast bowler, Shraddha Pokharkar, at her base price of Rs 10 lakh. Shraddha now shoulders the responsibility of stepping into Ahuja’s shoes as RCB aims to make a mark in the upcoming season.
As the teams gear up for the tournament, the Gujarat Giants are slated to kick off their campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 25. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana-led RCB will begin their journey against UP Warriorz on February 24, also at the same venue. Both teams are hungry for success, with RCB aiming to improve upon their fourth-place finish from the previous season.
Taking stock of the squad updates, the Gujarat Giants have assembled a formidable lineup that includes players like Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, and Laura Wolvaardt. On the other hand, RCB, captained by Smriti Mandhana, boasts a diverse squad featuring international stars such as Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine.
With these reinforcements in place, both teams are optimistic about their prospects and are poised to deliver thrilling performances in the upcoming Women’s Premier League. The stage is set for an exciting and fiercely competitive season as cricketing action unfolds at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium .
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