Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14, 2025, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Gujarat Giants (GG) in Vadodara.
The five-team tournament will feature 22 matches, culminating in the final on March 15 at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. The competition will be hosted across four cities: Vadodara, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bengaluru.
Mumbai Indians (MI) emerged as the inaugural WPL champions in 2023, while RCB lifted the trophy in 2024. Delhi Capitals (DC) finished as runners-up in both editions.
While captains often grab the spotlight in cricket, a coach’s role is equally crucial. From devising strategies and making tactical decisions to motivating players during tough moments, the coach plays a key part in a team’s success.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Luke Williams
Former South Australia batter Luke Williams continues as the head coach of RCB Women for WPL 2025. He took over from Ben Sawyer ahead of WPL 2024, where RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, clinched the title. With Williams at the helm, RCB will aim to defend their championship this season.
Mumbai Indians (MI) – Charlotte Edwards
Legendary England cricketer Charlotte Edwards remains the head coach of Mumbai Indians Women. Under her leadership, MI won the inaugural WPL title in 2023, but in WPL 2024, they finished third and lost the Eliminator to RCB. Edwards will be keen to guide Mumbai back to glory in 2025.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – Jonathan Batty
Former Surrey captain Jonathan Batty has been coaching Delhi Capitals Women since the tournament’s inception in 2023 and will continue in WPL 2025. DC topped the league stage in both WPL editions but fell short in the finals. Batty’s challenge will be to turn their strong performances into a championship win.
UP Warriorz (UPW) – Jon Lewis
Jon Lewis, the England Women’s head coach, has been leading UP Warriorz since WPL 2023 and will continue for a third consecutive season. In 2023, UPW finished third but lost in the Eliminator, while in 2024, they dropped to fourth and failed to qualify further. Lewis will be hoping to turn things around in WPL 2025.
Gujarat Giants (GG) – Michael Klinger
Australian cricket veteran Michael Klinger was appointed Gujarat Giants’ head coach for WPL 2024, replacing Rachael Haynes. However, GG’s fortunes didn’t change, as they finished fifth in both 2023 and 2024, winning only two games each season. Despite the struggles, the franchise has retained its faith in Klinger for WPL 2025.
