WPL 2025: Key Indian players to watch out for

The third edition of the Women's Premier League is all set to kick off on February 14, and the buzz around it has been as high as it ever was. 

After Mumbai Indians (MI) won the inaugural edition, Smriti Mandhana led Royal Challengers of Bengaluru (RCB) and created history by winning the franchise's first-ever trophy. 

The WPL has unearthed a lot of talented cricketers for the national team in its last two editions, some of whom have gone on to represent the country at the international level. 

This edition will be no different as there is a plethora of players waiting to prove their mettle and earn their ticket to the top. 

We at The Bridge have curated a list of five key Indian players you should keep an eye on in the upcoming edition of the WPL.

Shafali Verma, Delhi Capitals

2024 was a year of two halves for the swashbuckling opener from Haryana. 

In the first half of the year, Shafali was unstoppable. She had a very good WPL, scoring 309 runs, and finished as the third-highest run scorer of the season. 

She then followed it up with impressive performances in the internationals, until the Women's T20 World Cup. 

What followed was a forgettable T20 World Cup and a continuous run of poor scores after the World Cup got the 21-year-old axed from the national team. 

In her place, Pratika Rawal has thrived and now Shafali has a point to prove. 

She has amassed runs at the domestic level since getting dropped from the national team, and the WPL is as important as it can come for Shafali. 

A good run here could make a strong case for her return back to India's white-ball circuit, and it will be interesting to see how she performs in the WPL. 

Shreyanka Patil, Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Shreyanka Patil was the star of RCB in WPL 2024. 

She ended up with the purple cap last year, awarded for the bowler with the most wickets in the season, and has since taken big strides forward in the national team as well. 

The most noteworthy achievement was when she took four wickets in the WPL 2024 final against Delhi Capitals, playing a key role in her team's triumph. 

Although she has made it to the highest level, she has been in and out of the team due to fierce competition and also because she has not been able to replicate her WPL performances with the national team. 

With RCB out to defend their title, she will be a key figure for the team along with her 'spin-twin' Asha Shobana. 

Can the 22-year-old have another pivotal season that can solidify her case for a longer stint with the national team? 

Sajeevan Sajana, Mumbai Indians

There can't be a single player making a better introduction to WPL than Sajeevan Sajana. 

It was the opening fixture of WPL 2024, and MI needed five runs from the last ball against Delhi Capitals. 

In walked Sajana, making her debut. 

Facing the last ball, Sajana smashed it for a huge six, becoming the first player to hit a six in her very first ball in the WPL, thereby winning the match for MI. 

An explosive hitter down the order who can bowl a decent off-break as well, Sajana has been in and out of the Indian squad. 

With an established repertoire, she comes into this WPL with a case to make for herself. 

Her form can go a long way in determining MI's chances this WPL and a good season can also help her cause in the national team as well. 

Priya Mishra, Gujarat Giants

Leg spinners are worth their weight in gold, and young Priya Mishra is a diamond. 

The 20-year-old leggie has made waves at the domestic circuit, and in 2024 earned her much-deserved national team call-up. 

She has started 2025 brightly, with a strong series against Ireland, and Gujarat Giants need her services if they are to better their performances from last year. 

With the World Cup coming up later this year, a good WPL season can go a long way in cementing her place in the final squad. 

Titas Sadhu, Delhi Capitals 

Titas Sadhu is another extremely talented youngster who recently made her debut at the international level. 

She made headlines during the 2023 ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup, in particular the final against England, where she gave away just six runs in four overs and managed to pick up two wickets. 

Good with the new ball, her biggest strength has been her ability to move the ball both ways. 

With India having Renuka Singh as one of the fast bowlers locked down, Titas has the opportunity to make a strong case for herself, and she will be tested going up against the game's best in the WPL.