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The is set to be bigger and more exciting than ever, with the tournament scheduled from February 14 to March 15 across four cities – Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai. This will mark the first time in the league’s history that the competition will be hosted across four different states, adding a new dynamic to the tournament. With some of the biggest names in women’s cricket set to feature, here’s a look at the top five overseas stars who are expected to make a significant impact in WPL 2025.
Women’s Premier League 2025: Top 5 overseas stars to watch out for
1. Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals) – The master tactician and dependable run-machine
Few players in world cricket possess the leadership acumen and batting consistency of . The former Australian skipper has been a pillar of strength for Delhi Capitals (DC), guiding them to back-to-back WPL finals in 2023 and 2024. However, her influence isn’t just limited to captaincy; her performances with the bat have been equally spectacular. Lanning has 🐲amassed six fifties in 18 matches, striking at an impressive 130, making her one of the most consistent top-order batters in the tournament. With her vast experience and tactical brilliance, Lanning will once again be a driving force for Capitals as they aim to clinch their maiden title.
2. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (RCB) – The aggressive opener filling a big void
With Sophie Devine no longer in the RCB setup, the responsibility of giving the team explosive starts will likely fall on the shoulders of England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge. A seasoned campaigner with an aggressive approach, Wyatt has been a consistent performer in international T20 cricket, amassing 151 runs at a phenomenal average of 50.33 in the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Wyatt’s ability to bat in challenging conditions was evident in the UAE, where she showcased her adaptability and temperament. Her partnership with RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order will be crucia🍃l in providing the team with quick starts in WPL 2025. Given her wealth of experience and ability to counter both spin and pace with equal effectiveness, Wyatt is expected to play a major role in RCB’s quest for their maiden WPL title.
3. Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians) – The ultimate match-winner
When it comes to all-round brilliance, few players in world cricket can match Hayley Matthews’ impact on a game. The West Indian star has been a game-changer for Mumbai Indians (MI), often single-handedly turning matches in her team’s favor with her explosive batting and wi🐠cket-taking ability. Having scored 451 runs in 19 WPL matches and bagged 23 crucial wickets, Matthews has cemented her reputation as one of the most valuable players in 🌌the league.
Mumbai Indians, led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur, have several match-winners in their ranks, including Nat Sciver-Brunt. However, Matthews’ dual role as a top-order batter and a key spinner gives her an added edge. Her ability to provide fiery starts, combined with 🥀her knack for breaking partnerships with her off-spin, makes her an indispensable asset. If Mumbai are to reclaim their WPL crown in 2025, Matthews will have to be at her absolute best.
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4. Deandra Dottin (Gujarat Giants) – The powerhouse all-rounder with a game-changing presence
One of the most dangerous all-rounders in women’s cricket, Deandra Dottin is set to be the focal point of Gujarat Giants’ (GT) campaign in WPL 2025. A player known for her brute power and ability to clear any boundary in the world, Dottin adds immense firepower to the Giants’ middle order. Her ability to adapt to different match situations makes her a flexible option in the batting order, allowing the team to strategize based on game demands.
Dottin, however, isn’t just about her batting. She is a genuine fast bowler who can deliver impactful spells across all phases of the innings – whether it’s opening the bowling in the powerplay, controlling the game in the middle overs, or executing accurate yorkers and slower deliveries at the death. With her ability to contribute in all facets of the game, she will be Giants’ most crucial player in their bid for a strong campaign in WPL 2025.
5. Alana King (UP Warriorz) – The spin wizard making her WPL debut
One of Australia’s most accomplished leg-spinners, Alana King is set to make her first-ever appearance in the WPL, bringing a wealth𒆙 of experience and quality to whichever franchise she joins. With 24 wickets at an economy of just 6.41 in T20 internationals, King has been a consistent match-winner in the shortest format of the game.
Her success isn’t just limited to international cricket. King has been a standout performer in premier global leagues like The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), where she has taken an impressive 126 wi💜ckets in 114 matches. Besides her ability to spin a web around batters, King is also a handy lower-order batter who can chip in with crucial runs when ne🌳eded. If she adapts well to Indian conditions, she has the potential to emerge as one of the most influential spinners in WPL 2025.
Overseas players set to define WPL 2025
With the WPL expanding to multi🐈ple venues in 2025, the role of overseas players will be more significant than ever. The presence of experienced and impactful international cricketers like Lanning, Wyatt-Hodge, Matthews, Dottin and King adds immense strength and balance to their respective teams. These players not only bring individual brilliance but also contribute strategically, making a substantial difference in high-pressure moments.
As WPL 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on these world-class overseas stars to see if they can lead their teams to glory. Their ability to adapt to Indian conditions, deliver under pressure, and influence games with their match-winning skills will ultimatel🧜y shape the course of the tournament. With excitement at an all-time high, fans can expect yet another thrilling edition of the WPL, where the best in the world will battle for supremacy.
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