WPL 2023: Three biggest flops of WPL so far

With the Women's Premier League up and running, the Indian cricketing fraternity is witnessing the rise of some amazing talents over the last couple of weeks.

Youngsters across the country are taking the centre stage and making a name for themselves while some international pros are stamping their authority in the tournament. We have seen players like Meg Lanning, Hayley Matthews, Harmanpreet Kaur and others playing a huge part in the fortunes of their franchises, and on the other hand, relatively unknown names like Saika Ishaque, Tara Norris are taking giant strides forward.

But amid this, there will always be the scrutiny of some players who have struggled to make an impact so far. Although the quality and the class of those players can't be questioned, but in the cruel world of franchise sports, the price tag and the return will always be coming under the scanner.

Today we shall take a look at three players who have struggled to make a positive impact so far in the WPL. With the final half of the tournament remaining, these names can still make amends, but it has been a struggle so far.

Renuka Singh Thakur (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Renuka Singh Thakur has been one of the best performers for India in the last year or so. The Indian pacer was roped in by RCB-W for INR 1.5 crore in the auction.

But it has been a disappointing outing for Renuka so far, to say the least. She has only managed 1 wicket in five matches and has been hugely expensive with the ball, conceding 9.5 runs per over so far. Her lack of wickets has reflected in RCB's bowling as they find themselves without a win in the tournament after five games.

(Image Courtesy: Renuka Singh Instagram)

Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)

Ashleigh Gardner is the joint most expensive overseas player in the tournament as she was scalped by Gujarat Giants for a whopping INR 3.2 crore.

But so far her returns have been modest to say the most. The Australian all-rounder has scored 44 runs in four innings, and has only 4 wickets with the ball to her name. Gardner's inability to impose in the WPL has been a big blow for the Giants as they sit second from the bottom in the WPL table.

With four matches remaining, the Aussie needs to step up and provide for her team to bolster their playoff chances. In the solitary match they have won so far, Gardner picked up 3 wickets in that.

(Image Courtesy: Gujarat Giants)

Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Smriti Mandhana has been enduring a difficult period in the WPL. She came into the tournament as the most expensive player as she was roped in by RCB-W for INR 3.4 crore.

But unfortunately, things have been underwhelming for Mandhana and her team in the WPL so far. The Indian southpaw has managed only 88 runs in five innings, and her team currently languishing at the bottom of the WPL table. After all of the matches, Mandhana has spoken about her lack of form and how things have gone wrong for the team, and it is a sad visual seeing the ever-smiling character going through such a tough period.

RCB-W will have to win all of their remaining three matches, and rely on other results to qualify fo the playoffs, but Mandhana will be aiming to step up and find some sort of form in the final few laps.