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WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Drop Niki Prasad, Opt for Five Overseas Players—Mithali Raj Calls It ‘No Surprise’

Byadmin

Delhi Capitals made a bold selection move in their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leaving out India’s U19 World Cup-winning captain Niki Prasad and England all-rounder Alice Capsey. The decision came despite Prasad’s Player of the Match performance in Delhi’s opening game, leading to widespread surprise.

However, former India captain Mithali Raj has defended the move, stating that Prasad’s exclusion was expected given the return of Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen, who had missed the first game due to illness.

Niki Prasad’s Omission: A Harsh Call or a Tactical Move?

Prasad made a strong debut in Delhi’s opening match against Mumbai Indians, scoring a crucial 35 off 33 balls to help her team chase down 165. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award, making her absence from the XI against RCB a surprising call for many fans and analysts.

However, Mithali Raj provided insight into Delhi’s decision, explaining that the youngster had only been included due to the unavailability of Kapp and Jonassen.

“Not really a surprise. She got her opportunity because Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen were unwell. That’s why they were not available for the game,” Mithali told the broadcasters.

She further elaborated on why the Delhi Capitals management prioritized experience over youth:

“A youngster was given an opportunity, but when you have these match-winners ready and going, you would want to pick them. Niki herself would know. She is a very good analyst of her own game. She understands that she has a long way to go and will only improve by spending time with international stars.”

This decision underscores the ruthlessness of franchise cricket, where teams often favor experience over form, especially in high-stakes tournaments.

Delhi Capitals Play Five Overseas Players in XI

One of the biggest talking points of the match was Delhi Capitals fielding five overseas players, which is allowed in the WPL provided one of them is from an associate nation.

  • Wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce, who plays for Scotland (an associate nation), retained her spot in the XI.
  • This allowed Delhi to play four other international stars: Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, and Jess Jonassen.

This differs from the Indian Premier League (IPL), which only permits four overseas players per match, making it a notable strategic advantage for WPL teams.

Meanwhile, RCB made their own selection changes, dropping young leg-spinner Prema Rawat to include veteran Ekta Bisht, an experienced left-arm spinner.

RCB vs DC: Match Highlights and Key Players

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and opted to field, setting up a high-pressure start for Delhi.

🔥 Early Blow for Delhi – Renuka Singh Thakur struck in the first over, dismissing Shafali Verma for a duck, a huge breakthrough for RCB.

🔥 RCB in Good Form – RCB entered the game riding high on confidence, having chased down a record 202-run target against Gujarat Giants in their season opener.

This match was crucial for both teams, as Delhi looked to continue their winning momentum while RCB aimed to build on their historic chase in the first game.

Delhi Capitals vs RCB: Playing XIs

🔵 Delhi Capitals XI

🏏 Meg Lanning (C), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp (In for Alice Capsey), Jess Jonassen (In for Niki Prasad), Sarah Bryce (WK), Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani.

🔴 RCB XI:

🏏 Smriti Mandhana (C), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Ekta Bisht (In for Prema Rawat), Joshitha V J, Renuka Singh Thakur.

Selection Drama: Right Call or Unfair to Niki Prasad?

Delhi’s decision to drop a Player of the Match winner after just one game has divided opinion.

✅ Reasons Supporting the Move:

  • Kapp and Jonassen are proven international match-winners.
  • Prasad got her chance because of player unavailability, not long-term selection plans.
  • Delhi used the overseas player rule to its full advantage, strengthening the squad.

❌ Reasons Against the Move:

  • Prasad’s confidence could take a hit after being sidelined despite performing well.
  • Delhi Capitals missed an opportunity to develop young Indian talent in a long-format league.
  • The move favors short-term gains over long-term investment in rising players.

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see if Delhi brings Prasad back into the XI, or if the team continues to rely on its experienced international stars.

Delhi Capitals Prioritize Experience Over Form

The WPL 2025 continues to highlight the cutthroat nature of franchise cricket, where even standout performances do not guarantee a place in the XI. Delhi Capitals chose experience over youth, and only time will tell if it was the right call.

The big question now: Will Niki Prasad get another chance, or will Delhi stick with their international stars for the remainder of the tournament?

🏏🔥 Stay tuned for more WPL action! 🔥🏏

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