WPL 2025: Why Sophie Devine Is Not Playing RCB-W vs GG-W Match Today?

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has started, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be without one of their star players, Sophie Devine. The New Zealand all-rounder has decided to take a break from domestic cricket and will not play in this season’s WPL.

Why Is Sophie Devine Not Playing?

Sophie Devine announced on January 25 that she is taking a break from cricket to focus on her well-being. She took this decision after receiving professional advice. New Zealand Cricket has fully supported her decision.

Devine was an important player for RCB last year when they won their first WPL title. In the 2024 season, she scored 136 runs and took six wickets in ten matches. RCB had retained her for the 2025 season, but now they will have to play without her.

Match Update: RCB-W vs GG-W

The first match of WPL 2025 is between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Giants. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Smriti Mandhana (c), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (w), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Prema Rawat, Joshitha V J, Renuka Thakur Singh

Gujarat Giants Women: Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra, Kashvee Gautam

RCB will now have to find a way to fill the gap left by Devine. Fans will be eager to see how they perform without her in this season.