Injury woes hit Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of Women’s Premier League 2024

With just four days until the much-anticipated start of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, both the Gujarat Giants (GG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have encountered significant injury setbacks.

The Giants and Royals, gearing up for the second edition of the league commencing on February 23, have been compelled to make alterations to their squads due to unfortunate injuries to key players.

For the Gujarat Giants, the absence of 20-year-old sensation Kashvee Gautam looms large as she has been ruled out for the entire WPL 2024 season. Last year, Gautam made headlines by becoming the most expensive uncapped player in WPL history with a staggering price tag of Rs 2 crore. In her place, the Giants have brought in Sayali Satghare from Mumbai as a replacement. Satghare, a promising talent, joins the Giants as a reserve player and is set to receive Rs 10 lakh for her services throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore has been dealt a blow with the injury to all-rounder Kanika Ahuja. To fill the void left by Ahuja, RCB has enlisted the services of left-arm all-rounder Shraddha Pokharkar. Like Ahuja, Pokharkar is known for her left-arm bowling prowess and has been recruited for Rs 10 lakh. Pokharkar, who has previously been involved with the RCB squad as a net bowler, will now make the transition to the main team.

Despite these setbacks, both teams are determined to make their mark in the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League. The Royals are slated to kick off their campaign on February 24 against the UP Warriorz at their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. On the other hand, the Giants will face the formidable Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, in their opening match on February 25.