Delhi Capitals's coach and captain discuss team's readiness for WPL
What's the story
The Delhi Capitals have touched down in Vadodara, Gujarat, for the initial matches of the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL).
Ahead of the tournament, team captain Meg Lanning and coach Jonathan Batty opened up about the team's readiness.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Lanning reminisced about their previous performances and spoke about her optimism for the upcoming season.
Here's more.
Captain's perspective
Lanning reflects on past performances and future prospects
Notably, Lanning has led the Capitals to two consecutive finals in the first two editions of the WPL.
She acknowledged their strong performance despite not clinching the titles.
"We have had two good seasons but unfortunately we didn't win the titles, she told ANI.
Lanning further expressed confidence in their strategy and stated, as quoted from a release by the Capitals, "We have been playing some good quality cricket. The small tweaks here and there will make some difference."
Mentorship role
Lanning's post-retirement journey and influence on young players
Post her international retirement in 2023, Lanning has been busy with franchise leagues and domestic cricket.
She enjoys mentoring young players during these tournaments.
"Being around young players during franchise-based tournaments and giving them advice has been gratifying," she said.
Lanning also stressed that playing in these leagues keeps her "rhythm" intact for events like the WPL.
Coach's insights
Batty praises domestic players and highlights off-season training
Batty praised the progress of domestic players and highlighted their off-season training.
"What has been very nice to see is the domestic players have improved well. We have had regular camps through the off-season, players come in, and do specialized work with our coaches," he said.
He also shared his experiences of coaching the side in this tournament, emphasizing on player development as a key aspect of their strategy.
Tournament's influence
Lanning and Batty acknowledge WPL's impact on women's cricket
Both Lanning and Batty admitted that the WPL will have a huge impact on women's cricket.
Lanning said, "The WPL has had a huge impact not just on international players but also on the local players here in growing the game."
Batty, on the other hand, said he was impressed by the commitment of young Indian players in their preparation for the tournament.
Match schedule
Delhi Capitals's upcoming matches and pre-season preparations
The Delhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians in their first match on February 15.
They will then play against reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on February 17 and UP Warriorz on February 19 in Vadodara.
Speaking about their pre-season preparations, Lanning said, "We had a couple of practice games which are very valuable for the players to go out there, get into that groove and find their T20 rhythm."
Stats
A look at Lanning's WPL stats
The Capitals' skipper boasts 676 runs in two WPL seasons. Meanwhile, in the 18 matches she has played, she boasts a strike rate of 130.75, alongside an average of 42.25.
Additionally, she also owns six fifties, and a high score of 72, which she smashed against RCB.
Notably, according to ESPNcricinfo, she was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer in the 2024 edition having smashed 331 runs with a strike rate of 123.04.