Meg Lanning, one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket, has built her reputation on calmness, astute planning, and masterful execution under pressure. However, the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) season has presented an unusual sight:
Lanning is visibly agitated and trying to rediscover her typical domination with the bat. While her leadership remains as sharp as ever, her recent performances have raised questions about her form and whether her game has a technical flaw.
As fans eagerly follow her journey, discussions on platforms like Bet Pro Login continue to analyze her gameplay and predict whether she will regain her top form soon.
A Rare Moment of Frustration
Lanning’s ejection provoked an interesting reaction during a recent encounter in Bengaluru. After being cleaned up by an oncoming delivery, she lifted her bat as if to knock down the stumps in rage.
She managed her feelings, yet the moment was instructive. It was a rare view of the pressure she might be under for a player renowned for her calm.
This season, Lanning has been ejected three times in five games for entering deliveries, a tendency that opposition teams are exploiting.
While being bowled by Shabnim Ismail’s pace and technique in the opening game was comprehensible, her dismissals against domestic Indian bowlers like Kranti Goud and Kashvee Gautam have been harder to accept.
A Scratchy Movement Thus, thus far
Apart from a fluent 69 against UP Warriorz, Lanning’s WPL effort has been mostly disappointing. The conditions in Bengaluru favored seamers early on, but Lanning battled to dictate terms even against relatively inexperienced bowlers.
This starkly contrasts her opening partner, Shafali Verma, who has shown flashes of brilliance despite her inconsistency.
Shafali’s ability to dominate bowlers like Deandra Dottin and Ash Gardner has highlighted Lanning’s struggles.
While Shafali has been able to adjust and score effortlessly, Lanning has battled her way to poor scores, including a 13-ball 3 in one of the matches.
Teammates Back Lanning
Lanning struggles, yet her colleagues still have faith in her ability. Jess Jonassen, her Delhi Capitals teammate, downplayed any concerns about Lanning’s form. She is a player of world quality.
Jonassen said that sometimes the top players in the world miss a few times. Among our team, she is among the most diligent workers. We believe she has more runs left in that bat this season.
Jonassen’s comments capture the team’s faith in Lanning’s ability to recover. Lanning has shown time and again that she performs under duress and can turn things around.
Delhi Capitals’ Larger Concerns
Although Lanning’s form is a talking point, it is only one aspect of Delhi Capitals’ general difficulties this season. The team’s batting lineup has been erratic, with only a few individuals stepping up at different periods. Apart from a few knocks from Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma has not fully turned her beginnings into significant scores.
To solve these problems, the Delhi Capitals changed their lineup for a recent game against the Giants. Jonassen was promoted to No. 3, a decision that paid off handsomely. Her unbeaten 32-ball 61, combined with Shafali’s brisk 44, helped DC secure a comfortable win.
Jonassen’s Promotion: A Tactical Masterstroke
Jonassen’s promotion to No. 3 was a tactical move aimed at injecting firepower into the powerplay. “I spoke with our coach early in the day,” Jonassen said.
“They wanted to try and inject a bit of intent out of the powerplay if we lost a wicket early. That I could come through tonight makes me quite happy.
The change worked and emphasized the depth and adaptability of the Delhi Capitals’ lineup. Jonassen’s ability to adapt to the circumstances and play a critical knock under duress was a credit to her experience and skill.
A Team Yet to Peak
Despite their inconsistency, Delhi Capitals are at the top of the points table halfway through the tournament. This is a testament to the team’s depth and the ability of different players to step up at crucial moments.
However, the fact that key players like Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, and Shafali Verma have yet to hit their peak form is both a concern and a sign of the team’s potential.
For now, the Capitals’ campaign combines individual genius with group inconsistency. While they have achieved three wins in five games, just one of those triumphs was a genuinely dominant showing.
The team’s ability to win close matchups despite not firing on all cylinders is a reminder of their strength and tenacity.
Room for Improvement
As Jonassen pointed out, there’s substantial scope for improvement. The players are working hard in training to overcome their weaknesses since the team knows they haven’t yet given their best cricket.
The next few matches will be crucial as Delhi Capitals look to refine their game and build momentum heading into the business end of the tournament.
To read more blog: T20 Exchange: Get Online Cricket ID with T20 Exchange
Final Thoughts
Meg Lanning’s struggles with the bat have been a rare sight in an otherwise stellar career. Her experience and diligence, nevertheless, point to a turnabout right around the horizon.
The challenge for Delhi Capitals is finding consistency and fire as a unit. The team has the potential to rule the WPL with a gifted lineup and capable leadership group.