India all-rounder Kanika Ahuja and uncapped fast-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, also the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the history of Women’s Premier League (WPL), have been ruled out of the 2024 season owing to injuries.
The WPL Governing Council said in a statement that Gujarat Giants, who had secured the services of Kashvee for Rs 2 crore in the WPL 2024 Player Auction, have named Mumbai's Sayali Sathgare as a replacement at a reserve price of Rs 10 lakh.
Reports had suggested that Kashvee was suffering from a stress fracture in her left foot and had missed the U-23 Women’s One-day campaign for her state team Chandigarh. Kashvee was a member of the India ‘A’ team which won the Emerging Women’s Asia Cup title in Hong Kong last year.
On the other hand, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have named Shraddha Pokharkar, Maharashtra’s left-arm fast bowler as a replacement for Kanika. Shraddha has been signed at a reserve price of Rs 10 lakh.
Gujarat Giants finished last in the inaugural edition of the WPL in 2023. The side will open their WPL 2024 campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 25 February. Royal Challengers Bangalore will commence their 2024 WPL season when they face the UP Warriorz at the same venue on 24 February.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)