New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Renowned South African seam-bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has praised the Women's Premier League (WPL) for significantly boosting the development of young Indian cricketers since its inception in 2023.

With her rich experience in various franchise T20 leagues globally, Marizanne is well-equipped to evaluate the influence of WPL, particularly through her interactions with emerging talents at Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2023.

“Reflecting on the inaugural year of the WPL, it was primarily the international players and Indian internationals who shone. However, in years two and three, we began to see a noticeable impact from domestic players, which is the essence of these leagues,” she remarked.

“Initially, for those unaccustomed to international cricket, competing with seasoned players can be quite challenging. Yet, once these young talents engage with international cricketers and realize, ‘I can perform against the very best,’ it elevates their confidence, evident in the domestic players' performances.”

“I can't pinpoint a specific skill like batting, bowling, or fielding that stands out. Overall, we have observed a significant increase in match-winning contributions from domestic players,” Marizanne shared with IANS during a selective media roundtable ahead of the upcoming WPL season starting on January 9.

When asked about achieving consistency in the notoriously volatile T20 format, Marizanne indicated that there's no universal method, as success hinges on individual playing styles and self-awareness.

“It's a blend of both, honestly. It relies on the type of player you are, especially as a batter. Some thrive when they trust their instincts and simply react, while others may require a bit of time to settle before unleashing their skills.”

“It varies for everyone. But undoubtedly, the more you engage in the game, the more self-knowledge you gain. Reflecting on my career, particularly in ODI cricket, I now have a clear understanding of how to structure my game, training, and approach when batting or bowling,” she explained.

Despite her extensive experience since 2009, Marizanne confessed that T20 cricket continues to pose new challenges and learning avenues for her. “Even at my age, I am still discovering aspects of my game. Each league and pitch presents different dynamics, requiring adaptability and intelligence.”

With the rise of T20 leagues, Marizanne openly acknowledged the physical demands of the packed schedule, prompting modifications in her training and recovery routines, particularly focusing on maintenance-oriented exercises.

“Honestly, it hasn't been simple. There are days when my body feels sore, but I have put in significant effort. In the past, I would work intensely, but by afternoon, I would hardly be in the gym, concentrating mainly on cricket.”

“Now that I’m older, I have shifted focus during competitions to join in on mobility and rehabilitation exercises. This is something I strive to incorporate daily.”

“I have steered away from heavy lifting, concentrating on maintenance and conditioning smaller muscle groups. This has become my primary focus,” she concluded.