WPL 2025 Auction: Analyzing the Evolution of Player Scouting Strategies

New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) Two seasons into the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the tournament's impact is clear not only on the game but also on the scouting of players, as franchises aim to uncover gifted cricketers from the Indian domestic arena.

After the five teams finalized their retentions for WPL 2025, franchises swiftly arranged trials and camps for their chosen players.

For example, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced last month that they would hold several camps to evaluate players of interest. The goal was to create a shortlist of players and backups to pursue during the auction, taking place in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The 2023 WPL champions, Mumbai Indians, also recently hosted a camp in Mumbai, where head coach Charlotte Edwards and bowling coach Jhulan Goswami were present, as indicated by social media updates.

Additionally, during the recent U19 women’s tri-series featuring India A, India B, and South Africa in Pune, sources reveal that scouts from MI and RCB attended all matches, closely observing players who performed well and had registered for the auction on Sunday.

Nisarg Naik, a Mumbai-based cricket talent scout, has been active in the women’s cricket scouting scene since 2021, recommending players to WPL franchises even before the inaugural season commenced in 2023.

He compares the current landscape to that of 2023, when Indian coaches within the five franchises primarily relied on their connections and knowledge to gather information about players that fit their needs.

“I believe there was limited time for preparation back then. Players were only aware of their teams 10-15 days prior. Consequently, they couldn't invest significantly in scouting at that time. Moreover, data usage was quite rudimentary. Player evaluations were more about personal connections than data-driven insights,” he explained.

“Previously, scouting was basic—someone would refer a player from a state association, and data or videos would be gathered. Fast forward to now, and we've seen an expansion in grassroots scouting,” he added.

“Scouts are now ubiquitous; each WPL team has appointed two to three scouts. For nearly every domestic match, there are about eight scouts present overall. The franchises have specialized the roles of scouts and are monitoring matches across India,” he shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.

After the conclusion of the 2024 WPL season on March 17, franchises like UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants organized mid-year skills and conditioning camps for their domestic players while also inviting other talented players from the circuit. Conducting numerous camps has become standard practice for teams before and after WPL seasons.

“On November 29, a camp was held to evaluate players who excelled in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and Challenger Trophy, allowing them to showcase their skills to the teams. Camps are now crucial because they enable teams to observe players in match-like situations,” he noted.

“They assess how a player performs in various scenarios through match simulations. For instance, if I’m a finisher, I need to score 40 runs in 20 balls. This is how a player’s skill level is evaluated,” he elaborated.

“The same applies to bowlers; they observe the variations in their deliveries. For openers or top-order batters, their performance in those crucial slots is analyzed, particularly since the first six overs are critical in women’s cricket,” Naik, who played U14 football for Maharashtra and had experiences as a net bowler for IPL teams, explained.

Modern technology and artificial intelligence are also being leveraged by WPL teams to identify promising players. Nevertheless, Naik emphasizes the importance of personal connections with players to identify the best fits for the respective franchises.

“An app called Ludimos was utilized during the trials for Delhi Capitals and various state associations. When scouting, I collaborate with fellow scouts to gather insights that enhance my role. Additionally, I establish connections with players, and many share their videos with me,” he stated.

“I’ve developed these relationships throughout India with domestic players, which is mutually beneficial. I’m investing in these players, and it’s rewarding to contribute to our country’s cricketing talent pool. If I had played more, I might have represented India as a player, but now I’m thrilled to help represent many players,” he added.

The initial two seasons of the WPL have showcased the vast talent pool in Indian women’s cricket. With the five franchises investing in broadening their player scouting strategies, utilizing both traditional methods and modern technologies, the growth and development of women’s cricket in India are bound to accelerate.