In their opening game of the current Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 against Gujarat Giants at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a significant defeat because star spinner Shreyanka Patil was left out of the starting lineup. Patil, who earned the Purple Cap with 13 wickets in eight games and was the finest bowler for RCB during their championship run the previous season, was sidelined by a protracted injury.
Prior to this, the BCCI had acknowledged that Shreyanka had “shin splints,” which had prevented her from playing cricket since the UAE’s 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. After that, she missed India’s home series against the West Indies and Ireland as well as their tour of Australia. RCB has not provided an official update on her availability for the remainder of the competition, despite her recovery attempts.
However, before the game, Ellyse Perry, the star RCB all-rounder, stated that she would not be bowling in the first few games of the 2025 WPL. During the Women’s Ashes Test match against England at the MCG last month, the Australian sustained a hip injury. Her bowling is limited because of her continuous rehabilitation, even if she is well enough to bat.
RCB is also missing a number of important players in addition to Perry and Shreyanka Patil.
For personal reasons, senior player Sophie Devine has chosen not to participate in the event. Asha Sobhana, Sophie Molineux, and Kate Cross are all out due to injuries. RCB chose to bowl first after winning the toss.
It’s nice to return to Baroda. One month ago, we were here. Although it appears to be our home pitch, I had assumed it would be Gujarat’s. Let’s go bowling first. Since dew plays a significant role, it is preferable to have a few overs out before dew arrives. Our preparation has been good, and we had productive practice sessions. Few imposed modifications. “The four foreign players are Perry, Wareham, Danny, and Kim,” Smriti Mandhana stated during the toss.
Ashleigh Gardner, the captain of Gujarat, however, disclosed that if the team had won the toss, they would have preferred to bowl first.
We also intended to go bowling, but that’s alright. Our relationship with the Gujarati girls is going well. Our team include both young people and seasoned professionals. I’m eager to get going. Ashleigh Gardner, the captain of Gujarat, declared during the toss, “Five debutants.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana(c), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh(w), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Prema Rawat, Joshitha V J, Renuka Thakur Singh
Gujarat Giants Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney(w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner(c), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra, Kashvee Gautam.
India
