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Anjum Chopra: Fast Bowlers Key in WPL, Bell & de Klerk Boost RCB

Former cricketer Anjum Chopra emphasizes the increased importance of fast bowlers in the upcoming Women's Premier League season. She highlights England pacer Lauren Bell's acquisition by RCB, noting her experience from the World Cup in India will be valuable. Chopra also lauds the signing of South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk as a "bargain and a steal," pointing to her explosive World Cup form. She predicts a fearsome batting partnership between de Klerk and Richa Ghosh in the death overs for RCB.

Key Points: Anjum Chopra on WPL: Fast Bowlers Crucial, RCB's Key Signings

  • Lauren Bell's WC experience aids RCB
  • Fast bowlers' importance highlighted
  • Nadine de Klerk a "bargain" signing
  • RCB's strong death-over batting duo
3 min read

"Fast bowlers will be important during this WPL season": Anjum Chopra

Anjum Chopra says fast bowlers will be vital in WPL, praises RCB's signings Lauren Bell and Nadine de Klerk as a "bargain and a steal."

"Fast bowlers will be important during this season. It should not just be about spinners. - Anjum Chopra"

Mumbai, January 7

Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra said that the addition of England pacer Lauren Bell would be good for the 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, noting that fast bowlers would be important during this season.

Anjum, a JioStar expert, was speaking on JioStar's 'TATA WPL: Know Your Team'. Bell has represented England in 36 T20Is and taken 50 scalps at an average of 18.34, with a four-fer to her name. Her recent outings in the ICC Women's World Cup in India have also given her loads of experience of Indian conditions, taking six scalps in seven matches at an average of 45.66. Playing the majority of her matches in Guwahati and Indore, she gained quite an idea of operating as a fast bowler in Indian conditions.

Anjum said about Lauren, "Lauren Bell missed the last WPL season. It is good that she will play this season for RCB. The experience she earned from the Women's ODI World Cup in India will be a great help. She is a good fast bowler. She is impressive and hits the deck hard. Fast bowlers will be important during this season. It should not just be about spinners."

Lauren was bought by RCB for Rs 90 lakhs, alongside other star foreigners, South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk (Rs 65 Lakhs) and Australian top-order batter Georgia Voll (Rs 60 Lakhs).

Anjum also termed signing Proteas all-rounder Nadine, who had an explosive 2025 World Cup with both bat and ball as a "bargain and a steal".

"Nadine de Klerk's signing by RCB is a bargain deal. It is a steal to get her for 65 lakh rupees. RCB is very lucky. There were not many takers for her by the time her name came up in the auction. But it will be scary for bowlers to see Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk batting together in the death overs. It is going to be very nice and exciting," she concluded.

Nadine was ferocious with the bat during the 2025 WC, scoring 208 runs in seven innings at an average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 131.64. It was her 84* against India, which won Proteas their group stage game from the jaws of defeat, with her knock laced with eight fours and five sixes taking SA from 142/6 to a successful chase of 252 runs with three wickets in hand. She also picked nine wickets with her right-arm medium pace at an average of 26.11.

WPL will kickstart from January 9 onwards, with defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and RCB clashing in the tournament opener.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows both WPL and the women's national team, I'm really pleased RCB invested in a proper fast bowler. Bell's World Cup experience in India is invaluable. Can't wait for the opener on the 9th!
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Priya S
Nadine de Klerk for 65 lakhs is an absolute steal, yaar! Her performance against India in the WC still gives me nightmares. Richa and Nadine in the death overs? Bowlers will have sleepless nights. RCB looks strong on paper this time.
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Rohit P
Good analysis, but I respectfully disagree that fast bowlers will be *the* key. Indian conditions in January-February can still favor spin, especially in the middle overs. A balanced attack with quality spinners remains crucial. Let's see how it plays out.
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Kavya N
Finally RCB is addressing their bowling! Last season we had the firepower with Smriti and Sophie, but the bowling let us down. Bell and Nadine add so much depth. Ee sala cup namde? Maybe this year! 💪
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Michael C
Interesting point about the value of pace in the WPL. Bell's stats in T20Is are impressive. Her experience playing in Guwahati and Indore is a smart point by Chopra – knowing specific ground dimensions and conditions is a real advantage.

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