The journey of a title defense is tougher than the one to make it to the podium for the very first time. But the road to the victory lap is becoming even more challenging for the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Australian legend Ellyse Perry has confirmed that she won’t be able to bowl in the first half of the tournament due to an injury she sustained during the multi-format Ashes series. This is a huge blow for the Challengers, considering the skill set Perry brings to the table.
The defending champions have already suffered four setbacks, with Kate Cross, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, and Asha Sobhana not featuring in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) for different reasons. Additionally, Shreyanka Patil might be sidelined for the entire tournament, but there is no confirmation yet on the same.
“Certainly, fit for the game, won’t bowl for the first bit of the tournament. Glad to be out here, nice to be able to prepare for the last couple of days,” said Ellyse Perry ahead of the season opener.
“So much changes (in between seasons), and even the way the roster just turns over. From that perspective, it very much feels like a clean slate for us and for all the teams. (On returning to the Chinnaswamy Stadium) Gosh, that place is just amazing for us. We have had such incredible support. Nice to be back there to play some matches. These first two games count for a lot too,” Perry further added.
The Australian powerhouse is a crucial part of RCB’s batting and bowling attack and finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer, amassing 347 runs in nine innings. In the previous edition, she maintained an impressive average of 69.40 with a strike rate of 125.72.
Perry holds the record for the best bowling figures in WPL history, achieving a remarkable spell of 4-0-15-6 during the 2024 season against the Mumbai Indians, completely dominating the game for the Challengers. Facing Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator of 2024, the 34-year-old played a pivotal knock, scoring a 50-ball 66 to guide her team to a competitive total.
During the Annual Australian Awards, Perry looked speculative about her participation in India for the WPL. “In the coming days, I’ll have a clear picture of exactly what that’ll look like. But I don’t think there are any major concerns with my hips. I’ll be fine,” she said to Female Cricket.
The 34-year-old averages 27.54 with the ball and has maintained an economy rate of 7.70 in 15 innings. In the first encounter of 2025, Perry smashed a brilliant fifty and kept hopes alive for a massive chase of 202 – which was eventually completed, the highest ever chase in WPL history.
In T20 International outings, Perry enjoys a glittering career of 165 matches, amassing 2,109 runs while picking up 126 wickets at a staggering economy of 5.85. Adding to that, the stalwart has won eight world championships with the Australian team as well.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have bagged their first points of the season. If Perry gets fit to bowl in the coming games, the team will be a force to reckon with again in the third season.
Loves all things female cricket
