Experts in JioCinema Anjum Chopra and WV Raman examined all five teams and the players they would want to see targeted ahead of the WPL 2024 auction in Mumbai on December 9. Take a peek:
The Gujarat Giants
Balance in the purse: Rs 5.95 crore
Ten spots are available, three of which are abroad.
About the Giants’ approach
WV Raman: It appears from their retention rates that they were counting on batters to drive them home. It is necessary for international players to either create pace or hit quick bowlers in this type of competition, whether it is the WPL or the IPL. However, what has actually occurred is that they have let go of every fast bowler they had. I found it surprising, for example, that (Annabel) Sutherland, a really strong all-rounder, was let go. They also need to find a few Indian batsmen and spinners, in addition to two fast bowlers.
Who GG might aim its gun at?
Anjum Chopra: Before Sushma Verma entered the scene and Beth Mooney became injured, Annabel Sutherland was a vital member of the team. Verma was the team’s foundation and backup wicketkeeper, so it surprises me that they let her go too. It seems to me that they are attempting to reassemble the squad while preserving resources. Although the amount has been added, why pay more if it’s not necessary? We’ll also put that equilibrium to the test. Since they’re searching for an out-and-out seam bowler, I’m not too concerned about Sutherland. If they pursue Shabnim Ismail hard, I won’t be shocked. She can bowl and bend her back like a typical feature and is a 50-50 mix-and-match type of cricketer.
Challengers: ROYAL BANGALORE
Purse balance: Rs 3.35 crore.
7 slots need to be filled, 3 of which are abroad.
On the release of Megan Schutt
Anjum Chopra: It came as a small surprise to let go of Megan Schutt. Although they depended on her, especially at the end, she didn’t find it all that comfortable. Sutherland will be a good addition to this squad with Smriti Mandhana as an all-rounder, and they may be considering him coming in because they will undoubtedly get Heather Knight and Ellyse Perry to play. A pure quick bowler is what they need. They can consider it if they have the choice to assemble their team around a quick bowler with batting ability.
Regarding RCB’s potential bid for a player they released
WV Raman: I don’t believe so because if they had, they never would have been released. They appear to be searching for an Indian batter, in my opinion. Veda Krishnamurthy could add a regional flavor. In order to have a true pacer in their squad and bowlers that can offer some diversity, they will also be considering a left-arm spinner. That’s what they’re searching for—someone who can unsettle the opposing team’s Indian batters. They also require a backup pacer and spinner.
UP, SOLDIERS!
Balance in purse: 4 crore rupees
Five spots are open, one of which is abroad.
Regarding UP Warriorz’s choices
Anjum Chopra: I don’t believe Shabnim Ismail truly intended to get on there. But that’s because she was deprived of the opportunity to play. Shabnim Ismail is a player that wants to be seen during every game. Since she has led the South African team throughout the years, you want every outing to be your go-to outing when you enter the game as such. Like Deandra Dottin, she will not want to be left out now that she is reliant on the international leagues following her retirement. They need to bring in a fast bowler, but in the event that they are unable to, Amanda-Jade Wellington will be a wise investment, in my opinion.
About Warriorz’s task
WV Raman: Their issue is that, although they already have five foreign players, they still have space for one more. Who then are they going to invite? It’s difficult for them to choose which four of these five will play. They won’t have much room to maneuver with foreign players, so they’ll have to rely heavily on Indian players.
New Delhi Capitals
Balance in the wallet: Rs 2.25 crore
There are three slots open, one of which is abroad.
Regarding who DC will attack
WV Raman: Their stock is adequate. It’s a backup keeper that they should examine if anything. The Delhi Capitals will have their eye on Uma Chetry. The squad, for their part, was waiting anxiously to see if Meg Lanning would be quitting all forms of cricket when she announced her retirement. They can feel some relief because it doesn’t appear to be.
Upon Tara Norris’s debut
Anjum Chopra: They are undoubtedly focused on another associate player now that Tara Norris has been dismissed. If they must invest in a talent, they would prefer to work with an Indian who has more time to develop their skills for the future. That’s where the money should be invested because there are a few Indian hitters who have excelled in domestic cricket, including Vrinda, Uma Chetry, and Sushma, a wicketkeeper batter. Therefore, why not, if they can score a deal at the auction?
Indians in Mumbai
Carry-out amount: Rs 2.1 crore
Five spots are open, one of which is abroad.
About MI’s decisions
Anjum Chopra: You wish to expand on and preserve your core. They know a great deal. From the small chats I’ve overheard, they’re searching for anything to occupy their time. In this capacity, you need also have an all-around hitter who can finish with tremendous power. Amelia Kerr replaces Nat-Sciver Brunt in their strong batting lineup. However, having an Indian recruit such as Simran Shaikh or Simran Bahadur will be beneficial. They can improve there with Amanjot Kaur and Jintimani Kalita, who are both comparable all-around players.
About MI’s extended strategy
WV Raman: I believe that they will invest the proceeds of this auction and, as usual, they will find a diamond. They will select three or four players for the future and help them hone their skills so they can be of use to them in the future. Since they are aware that having a sizable Indian player base on your team is essential to winning events, they will be on the lookout for new Indian players. They’ve had success with it in the men’s vertical
India
