The Delhi Capitals (DC) have made significant changes to their roster ahead of the third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The franchise announced its list of retained and released players on Thursday, highlighting a strategic shift as they aim to capture their first title.
Poonam Yadav and Laura Harris Released
The most notable release is that of Poonam Yadav, a seasoned legspinner who has been a cornerstone of the Indian women’s cricket team. Poonam has not played international cricket since March 2022 and did not feature in any matches during the last WPL season.
Her departure marks a significant moment for the team, which has consistently reached the finals in both previous seasons but has yet to secure the championship.
In addition to Poonam, DC has let go of several other players:
- Laura Harris: The Australian top-order batter was unable to make an impact last season.
- Aparna Mondal: An uncapped Indian player who spent the season on the bench.
- Ashwani Kumari: Another uncapped talent who did not see game time.
Despite these releases, the Delhi Capitals have established themselves as a formidable side in the WPL. They reached the finals in both editions, losing to the Mumbai Indians in 2023 and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. Their performance has been commendable, showcasing skill and resilience throughout the tournament.
DC’s Reasons for Release
Sourav Ganguly, Director of Cricket for WPL, acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with players from a successful squad. He stated, “Letting go of players from a successful squad is never easy, but that’s the challenge and beauty of franchise cricket.” Ganguly emphasized that their coaching staff has identified new talents to enhance team balance and competitiveness.
Head coach Jonathan Batty echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in their current squad while also recognizing the need for adjustments. “These releases are for fine-tuning some details and allowing us to bolster our strength and depth,” he said. Batty highlighted that their scouting team had thoroughly evaluated local talent during the offseason, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming auction.
The auction for the third season of the WPL is set to take place next month. This event will be crucial for DC as they look to fill gaps in their lineup and strengthen their chances of winning the coveted title.
Delhi Capitals Full List Of Retained Players: Alice Capsey, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning (c), Minnu Mani, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniyaa Bhatia, Titas Sadhu, Annabel Sutherland.
Delhi Capitals Full List Of Released Players: Laura Harris, Ashwami Kumari, Poonam Yadav, Aparna Mondal.
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