WPL 2023: The T20 format has always given a platform to superior all-rounders, with the added benefit of extra bowling options, which are effective in a T20 game. All-rounders are probably the most reliable set of players in the squad, especially in a T20 game.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 players who can be relied on for their performance:
5. Ash Gardner
Gardner is, in the present scenario, the most reliable all-rounder in world cricket and has shown consistent form across all formats of the game. Gardner mostly bats in the lower middle order as she plays the role of a big-hitting finisher, but she is often promoted up the order in the case of chasing big totals or scoring runs to increase the run rate. Gardner has an even greater hand in bowling, as she has been a stellar performer in this department too.
Gardner is not only ranked No. 1 in the all-rounders ranking but has also secured spots within the top 10 rankings in both the ICC batting and bowling rankings too. Gardner is picked up by the Gujarat Giants, and they will have high hopes for their expected success in the WPL in 2023.
4. Deepti Sharma
Deepti is an experienced all-rounder who has been representing India in international formats for many years now. Deepti is a very reliable player in the shorter format, as she bats excellently down the order. She is too terrific to bat at No. 7 and specializes in bowling throughout all phases of the innings, especially in the powerplay as well as the end overs.
Though she bowls mostly during field restrictions or death overs, she is still considered by the Warriors to be one of the most economical bowlers in the shorter format. She is expected to be the best all-around performer playing for the UP Warriors in home conditions in WPL 2023.
3. Amelia Kerr
The Kiwi all-rounder has been a rising star in women’s cricket since his debut for the New Zealand national side. The young player has been a sensational cricketer in recent times, she bats mostly at No. 3 or No. 4, is known to regulate batting innings, and is comprehensive with her skills as a perfect orthodox batter. She is also a smart, tricky leggie with a wide degree of variation in her deliveries; she is a very economical bowler who is also a wicket-taker in match-saving situations. Kerr would be one of MI’s must-picks in the WPL 2023.
2. Hayley Mathews
The West Indies captain has been their only reliable player since the absence of their previous captain, Stefanie Taylor, due to injuries. Taylor is flexible enough to bat at all positions; she can play the role of an offensive opener, a standout middle-order batter, or sometimes a sizzling finisher. She is also an economical bowler and performs proficiently with the bowl in hand. Another smart pick by MI Women, Mathews is expected to evolve as one of the best players in the WPL.
1. Dane Van Niekerk
The protea all-rounder has been a great performer since her initial days but has had to switch out of the game due to several injuries over the past few years. However, despite her absence from world cricket, she is still one of the most reliable players in the world and a strong middle-order batter and handy leg spinner who can be expected to be a good performer for the RCB in WPL 2023.