As the much-anticipated 2nd edition of the Delhi Women’s Premier League (DWPL) draws near, excitement is already building among fans and franchises alike. The player retention announcements are always a riveting prelude to the auctions, offering insights into each team’s core and hinting at their strategies for the forthcoming season.
With North Delhi Strikers, East Delhi Riders, South Delhi Superstarz, and Central Delhi Queens set to battle once more, let’s explore how each side has shaped the retention for the squad build-up ahead of the July 7th, 2025, auction.
East Delhi Riders: Building Around Priya Punia
For East Delhi Riders, the retention of Priya Punia is a clear commitment to homegrown talent and batting reliability. Priya proved her mettle in 2024, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for her side with 75 runs in just two innings. Her composure at the crease and her knack for absorbing pressure make her a natural nucleus for the Riders’ batting lineup.
With the auction just days away, East Delhi’s retention of Priya suggests they will look to construct a well-balanced side around her, possibly supplementing her with aggressive partners at the top or dependable middle-order finishers. Priya’s role as an experienced campaigner will be vital in guiding younger talents and maintaining the team’s upward trajectory.
North Delhi Strikers: The Champions Stand Firm with Upasana Yadav
After a fairy-tale triumph in the inaugural 2024 season, North Delhi Strikers have sent a resounding message to the league: they’re not resting on their laurels. Their decision to retain Upasana Yadav is both unsurprising and momentous. Upasana, the star batter of 2024, was the league’s leading run-scorer with 270 runs in just four innings. Her campaign was studded with an unbeaten century and two half-centuries, underlining her class and consistency.
Her retention signals continuity for the Strikers. Her ability to anchor innings and switch gears when needed makes her an invaluable asset. Expect her to once again provide stability at the top of the order as North Delhi sets its sights on defending the title.
South Delhi Superstarz: Shweta Sehrawat Holds the Fort
South Delhi Superstarz have locked in Shweta Sehrawat, their second-highest run-scorer and the league’s fifth overall in 2024. Shweta’s tally of 92 runs in four innings showcased her adaptability and steady accumulation of runs, qualities every competitive side need in crunch situations.
By retaining Sehrawat, the Superstarz reinforce their core with a player who can both anchor and accelerate, providing flexibility to the batting strategy. Her experience and temperament will be central to South Delhi’s plans, allowing them to shape the rest of their squad with confidence.
Central Delhi Queens: Waiting in the Wings
Interestingly, Central Delhi Queens are yet to announce their player retention, keeping fans and pundits alike guessing. This air of mystery could point towards strategic negotiations or an ambitious overhaul. The Queens will be keen to assemble a unit capable of toppling the reigning champions, whether that means sticking with proven performers or ushering in new faces remains to be seen. All eyes now turn to their imminent announcement and, subsequently, their auction tactics.
With player retentions setting the tone, the Delhi Women’s Premier League 2025 promises narrative twists, new heroes, and fierce rivalries. The auction on July 7th will further shape the destiny of the four teams as they look to build balanced, dynamic squads.
For now, the retentions, especially of proven match-winners like Upasana Yadav, Priya Punia, and Shweta Sehrawat, ensure that the league’s second edition will be as competitive, compelling, and unpredictable as its inaugural year.
