The recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL 2023) auction saw some players attract enormous sums from franchises due to their exceptional records and remarkable performances. The likes of Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma made headlines after becoming some of the most expensive purchases at the event. Their contributions will play a crucial role in determining the fortunes of their respective franchises in the upcoming tournament.

However, there are also some players who were selected at the auction but may not even make it to the playing XI in a single match. Factors such as a lack of experience, dismal numbers in recent matches, miserable records, and stiff competition from peers may hinder their chances of getting matches in the marquee event. Here are five players who may have to wait longer than usual to feature in the playing XI:

Players likely to be benched in WPL 2023

Komal Zanzad

Komal Zanzad, who has played a lot of cricket in the domestic circuit for Vidarbha Women, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for 25 lakhs after Mumbai Indians showed interest in their bid. However, despite getting a buyer in RCB, Zanzad may not get to wear the red and gold jersey in the first season. Her recent performances have not been impressive, 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.

Furthermore, Renuka Singh’s outstanding performances for India Women in the last few international games may also impact Zanzad’s chances of making it to the RCB playing XI. RCB’s pace attack will also be strengthened by foreign pacers like Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry.

Neelam Bisht

Neelam Bisht, the talented Punjab bowler, was one of the few Indian players who managed to secure a contract at the WPL auctions. Mumbai Indians (MI) picked her up for her base price of INR 10 lakh, recognizing her all-round skills that could strengthen any team’s line-up. With the tournament approaching, Bisht will be eager to earn her place in the MI playing XI and showcase her abilities to a global audience.

However, MI’s spin attack has been bolstered by the inclusion of Sonam Yadav and Saikaa Ishaque, making it more challenging for Bisht to secure a spot in the first-choice playing XI. Yadav, who performed brilliantly for India in the U-19 World Cup, picked up five wickets in six matches at an impressive economy of 7.04. In contrast, Bisht hasn’t played competitive cricket since November 2021, which could put her at a disadvantage.

Furthermore, Ishaque, the other Indian spin option in the MI squad, had a fantastic outing in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2022-23, scalping three wickets in two matches with an economy of 4.75. Given her recent form, the franchise might be inclined to choose Ishaque over Bisht in the playing XI, making it a challenging task for the Punjab bowler to break into the team.

Shabnam MD Shakil

In the recent WPL auctions, Shabnam Md Shakil, along with Sonam Yadav, became the youngest cricketers to secure a WPL contract. The 15-year-old was signed by Gujarat Giants (GG) for her base amount of INR 10 lakh.

Shakil recently represented the India U-19 team in the inaugural season of the U-19 World Cup, where she played two matches and picked up one wicket at an economy of 10.25. After her performance in the U-19 World Cup, Shakil would hope to make an appearance in the upcoming WPL.

However, it may not be easy for her as she had a below-average performance in the U-19 World Cup. Furthermore, her young age and lack of experience may put her at a disadvantage when it comes to being selected for GG’s playing XI. In comparison, other pacers such as Monica Patel and Mansi Joshi, who are more experienced, may be seen as better options for the franchise.

Aparna Mondal

Bengal player Aparna Mondal was bought by Delhi Capitals for her base price of INR 10 lakh in the 2023 WPL auction, with the franchise recognizing her batting abilities. The 27-year-old is a dependable top-order batter for Bengal in the domestic circuit.

However, Mondal’s recent performances have not been up to the mark, and as a result, her franchise may not include her in their 11-member squad. In her last eight matches, she has failed to deliver an impressive knock with the bat.

In 2022, Mondal represented India D Women in the 2022-23 Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy. The tournament was a perfect opportunity for her to regain her form, but she failed to make an impact. Although she was included in the playing XI against India A, she was unable to take advantage of the opportunity and scored just 13 runs.

Going into the WPL without strong recent performances, Delhi Capitals may opt for a more reliable alternative in Taniya Bhatia, who has been the first-choice wicket-keeper batter for Team India for a long time.

Erin Burns

Erin Burns is an established name in Australian domestic cricket, having played for the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). She is a talented all-rounder, known for her aggressive batting style and disciplined off-break bowling. Her performances in the league have been impressive, as she has been instrumental in helping her teams win matches.

Given her experience and skillset, it is not surprising that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) reserved her services for the maiden Women’s T20 Challenge. In the auction, RCB purchased Burns for her base price of INR 30 lakh, making her one of the most expensive overseas players in the tournament.

However, despite her impressive record and vast league experience, Burns may not become a part of RCB’s playing XI in the upcoming season. The franchise has several options in their overseas contingent, and Burns will face stiff competition for a place in the team.

One of the main contenders for the overseas all-rounder spot in RCB’s playing XI is South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk. Van Niekerk is also a batting all-rounder, and her international record makes her a bankable option for the franchise. She has played 126 T20Is for South Africa and has scored 1,821 runs at an average of 20.9, with a strike rate of 100.1. She has also taken 89 wickets in the format, with an economy rate of 5.9.

While Burns’ experience and performances in the WBBL are commendable, she will have to compete with the likes of van Niekerk and other overseas players for a place in RCB’s team. It remains to be seen whether she will be able to make an impact in the tournament, should she get the opportunity to play.

Also, see:

PSL 2023: Five Interesting Stats for Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi