WPL 2025: Mandhana's RCB to face Gardner's Giants
What's the story
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 will kick off with a high-octane clash between Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Ashleigh Gardner's Gujarat Giants.
The match will be held at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 14, at 7:30pm IST.
The encounter promises an exciting showdown as no bowler has dismissed Mandhana more often than Gardner in Women's T20s or ODIs.
Team dynamics
Giants's historical advantage and RCB's injury concerns
Historically, the Giants have a slight edge over RCB, with two of their four wins across two WPL seasons coming against them. This includes their first-ever victory in the league.
However, RCB's performance may be impacted by Ellyse Perry's recent hip injury sustained during the Women's Ashes Test in Melbourne.
If Perry is unfit for the opening game, Georgia Wareham could potentially fill her spot at No. 4.
Team composition
Giants's opening pair dilemma and RCB's potential lineup
The Giants have a selection conundrum over Beth Mooney's opening partner.
With Deandra Dottin making the XI, only one of Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield could make it to the team.
Meanwhile, RCB's probable lineup: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, S Meghana, Ellyse Perry/Richa Ghosh, Richa Ghosh/Georgia Wareham, Raghvi Bist/Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham/Jagravi Pawar, Jagravi Pawar/Kim Garth and Kim Garth/Renuka Singh.
Star performers
Key players to watch: Dottin and Ghosh
Dottin is expected to play a crucial role in the Giants's campaign. She was the West Indies's leading run-scorer at last year's Women's T20 World Cup and scored 110 in three games against Bangladesh.
For RCB, Richa Ghosh's power-hitting abilities will be vital, especially given her impressive form against West Indies and Ireland.
She played a key role in RCB's title win last year and is third on the list of most sixes hit in WPL history.