WPL 2023: Harmanpreet Kaur to Deepti Sharma; Top Indian all-rounders to watch out for

The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) is just a few days away as the Women's T20 cricket franchise league is set to take centre stage from March 4.

After the WPL auction, cricket fans across the country have already seen some of the top players bagging huge deals. The Indian names have dominated the biggest earners list and as the tournament comes ever closer, our focus here shifts to the all-rounders' category.

In women's cricket, there are some amazing multifaceted cricketers, and the Indian women's team is also blessed with top-notch players who have the equal capability with both bat and ball. After India's recent campaign in the Women's T20 World Cup, the buzz for women's cricket continues with the WPL. And today we shall take a look at some of the top Indian all-rounders to keep an eye on in the inaugural WPL season-

1. Shikha Pandey (Delhi Capitals)

WPL Auction Price: INR 60 Lakh

Shikha Pandey is an experienced player who has represented India for a long time. The 33-year-old all-rounder is known for her medium-pace bowling and explosive batting down the order. She was roped in by Delhi Capitals in the auction and will play a big role in the team.

The veteran has picked up 75 and 43 wickets in ODIs and T20Is respectively, while has two fifties in ODI cricket to her name. Her bowling up top and quick scoring ability down the order can be a huge factor for the DC squad. She will also play a role to mentor the youngsters like Minnu Mani and Titas Sadhu, who are in the DC squad.

2. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz)

WPL Auction Price: INR 2.6 crore

Deepti Sharma has emerged as a monumental figure for the India women's team in the last couple of years. Upon making her debut in 2021, she has slowly cemented her place in the Indian squad and is now one of the main players in the team. The Bengal player mainly bowls off-break and can use the long handle of her bat to good effect.

She has 102 T20I wickets in her career with an economy of just 6.17 per over. With the bat, she also has 2 fifties to her name and is known as a hard hitter.

Signed by UP Warriorz for a whopping sum of 2.6 crore, Sharma is one of the most expensive players in the WPL. She will have a multifaceted role in the team and will be instrumental for the UP franchise in the WPL. Her overs with the ball and batting ability in the middle order will be a key part in UP's success in the tournament.

3. Pooja Vastrakar (Mumbai Indians)

WPL Auction Price: INR 1.9 crore

Pooja Vastrakar's stock has risen in the last couple of years. The Bilaspur-born bowling all-rounder is mainly a very disciplined medium pacer, who has the ability to score swift runs with the bat. The 23-year-old has picked up 30 wickets in T20Is, while has scored at a decent strike rate of 124 with the bat.

Mumbai Indians set their sights on her and managed to land her with a price that almost went four-fold of the base. Pooja will be a good option for MI to have in the Mumbai pitches and her batting lower the order will definitely strengthen the team.

4. Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians)

WPL Auction Price: INR 1.8 crore

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's team will be donning the Mumbai Indians jersey for the first season. She will also be leading the side and definitely going to be the mainstay in the team.

The Indian captain has been a stalwart in the game, and has played in multiple franchise tournaments across the world. The 33-year-old has over 3000 T20I runs and 32 wickets to her name.

A fantastic batter, an outstanding leader with a world of experience, Harmanpreet is going to be the key force of MI in the inaugural WPL season. MI, being the most successful franchise in IPL cricket, will be aiming to have a similar fate in the WPL and Harmanpreet surely is the perfect leader to propel themselves forward.