The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League 2023 has caught us by surprise with its competitiveness. Most of the matches have been closely fought and there have been numerous iconic individual performances, be it Shafali Verma’s hailstorm for Delhi Capitals or Harmanpreet Kaur’s madness for Mumbai Indians.

However, quite a few high-profile names have failed to light up the tournament. We take a look at five of the biggest names that have failed to perform.

Smriti Mandhana – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Under the leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, the Royal Challengers have started their Women’s Premier League campaign with five straight defeats. Mandhana, who emerged as the highest-paid cricketer in the auction, has managed just 88 runs in five games. But it’s not just about Mandhana’s poor form, as the others have also failed to step up to the occasion.

Renuka Singh – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore roped in the best Indian batter in Mandhana, and the most promising Indian fast bowler in Renuka Singh. Much to their disappointment, both have struggled badly, which explains their winless streak of RCB. Perhaps a flat pitch with no movement on offer is the reason behind Renuka’s inefficacy. She has just a wicket to show for after the first five games. 

Sneh Rana – Gujarat Giants

Gujarat Giants suffered a massive blow after their regular skipper Beth Mooney had to withdraw from the tournament due to injury. They pinned their hope on the veteran Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana to lead the pack, and the result hasn’t been convincing. Rana herself has had a hard time with both bat and ball, picking only two wickets so far. 

Richa Ghosh – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Richa Ghosh has amassed 78 runs in five matches so far. Quickly growing into one of the mainstays of the Indian batting line-up, Richa hasn’t been at her fluent best for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the last match against Delhi Capital though, Richa slammed 37 runs off 16 deliveries, and the franchise will expect more such performances from her.

Deepti Sharma – UP Warriorz

Deepti Sharma too hasn’t lived up to the expectations, picking up just five wickets in her first four games. She was effective in the game against Delhi Capitals, claiming three dismissals, but hasn’t been consistent so far.