In a thrilling pre-season trade, England’s dynamic batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge will don the red and gold of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Wyatt-Hodge, previously with UP Warriorz (UPW), joins RCB at her original auction price of INR 30 lakhs.
RCB fans are in for a treat, as Wyatt-Hodge brings a pedigree few can match. With 164 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for England, she stands as England’s most-capped player in the format, with only India’s Harmanpreet Kaur (177) and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (171) having more T20I appearances worldwide. Throughout her career, she has amassed 2,979 T20I runs at a brisk strike rate of 127.85, including two blistering centuries and 16 half-centuries, making her one of the most dependable and explosive batters on the circuit.
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her excitement about the latest addition to her squad, stating, “Danielle is a game-changer and a phenomenal athlete. Her skills and competitive spirit align perfectly with our team’s vision. We are excited to welcome her to the RCB and look forward to the energy she will bring to the squad.”
The timing couldn’t be better for RCB, as Wyatt-Hodge is coming off a strong performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where she top-scored for England, tallying 151 runs at an impressive average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 124.79. She has shown her ability to take on the best bowlers in the world, making her a dangerous prospect for RCB’s opponents in the upcoming WPL season.
Wyatt-Hodge’s entry into the WPL wasn’t without its challenges. Initially overlooked in the inaugural season with a base price of INR 50 lakhs, she eventually found her way to UP Warriorz in the second auction but didn’t make it into a single match last season.
This shift to RCB marks a fresh opportunity for Wyatt-Hodge to make her mark on the WPL, joining an overseas contingent that has included big names like Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Nadine de Klerk, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham and Kate Cross. With a squad that already boasts an impressive lineup, Wyatt-Hodge’s arrival is expected to add a new level of depth and aggression to the team’s batting arsenal.
With Wyatt-Hodge currently honing her skills in the Women’s Big Bash League with Hobart Hurricanes, RCB fans can eagerly anticipate the return of an in-form Wyatt-Hodge, hungry to showcase her abilities in India. Her potential impact in the high-octane T20 format aligns with RCB’s vision for aggressive, fearless cricket.
(Quote sourced from RCB media release)
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