Predicting the five captains for the first season of Women's IPL

Women's IPL is all set to start this year. BCCI has already closed the deal for the media rights of the competition for the next five years. Viacom 18 has purchased the rights to the event. The tender for the ownership of the franchises is also out and in a few days, BCCI would also announce the cities where the teams would be based out of and the owners of the same. After this is done, the focus will shift to the appointments of the backroom staff and then, of course, the auctions. Naturally, the next most interesting aspect will be how the teams would be constructed. In all likelihood, BCCI might allow franchises to make signings outside the auction for at least a couple of players. This would allow the teams to set the tone in building their units. Naturally, most franchises would be inclined to procure their captains as early as possible. This would already solve a lot of issues. On that note, in this article, we predict the five captains for the first season of the Women's IPL.

1) Harmanpreet Kaur

Being the captain of the Indian T20I Team, there is no doubt that Harmanpreet would get to lead a franchise in the competition. Apart from her captaincy skills, Harmanpreet would also add a lot of value as a top all-rounder. Her experience would also lend terrific balance to the squad that she signs up for.

2) Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana is likely to be one of the five captains for the first season of the Women's IPL. While she is arguably the best women's batter in India, she is also the most marketable women's cricketer. This is an important aspect when it comes to franchise-based competition. Of course, she also has captaincy experience. If Mumbai Indians own a franchise, expect them to go all the way for the home-grown star.

3) Meg Lanning

Meg Lanning is back from her break. Now that she is available, her next challenge could be leading a team in the WIPL. She has won a lot of trophies and this is exactly the experience that teams would be needing.

4) Sophie Devine

For New Zealand, Sophie Devine has been a fine cricketer. She is also extremely experienced and is also a terrific all-rounder. Therefore, teams could be interested in her services, too.

5) Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma is also likely to be one of the five captains for the first season of the Women's IPL. She was the captain of one of the teams at the last exhibition event. Hence, there is no surprise that some teams would be interested in her captaincy skills. Moreover, she is also a brilliant all-rounder, which further makes signing her more sense.