Picking the combined MI and Gujarat Giants playing XI for WPL 2023

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Giants (GG) will face off in the opening encounter of the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) on March 4 in Mumbai.

Both WPL teams have quite a few similarities, right from influential captains in Harmanpreet Kaur for MI and Alyssa Healy for GG. They also have a whole host of quality all-rounders to choose from, something that gives them an edge over other teams at the start of WPL 2023.

With some interesting Indian players too in the mix, let's have a look at what the strongest possible combined XI of MI and GG would look like ahead of WPL 2023:

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Openers: Yastika Bhatia & Beth Mooney

A talented wicketkeeper-batter, Yastika Bhatia has been in and out of the Indian T20I side and often plays out of position. But she could get a string of consistent games with the Mumbai Indians at the top of the order and this is her chance to prove her mettle.

Beth Mooney, on the other hand, needs no introduction as she is arguably one of the best batters in the women's game. Her ability to take on the opposition bowling attack from the word go makes her a perfect opener to have for any team.

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Middle order: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur & Ashleigh Gardner

This world-class trio are among the most dangerous middle-order batters in the current women's game. Nat Sciver-Brunt has already shown what she is capable of with another incredible knock in the recent Women's T20 World Cup game against Pakistan.

Harmanpreet Kaur could be the glue in the middle order around which the other batters can express themselves. She can play both as an anchor and also turn into a power-hitter when needed. Ashleigh Gardner is another all-rounder who is simply unstoppable with the bat when she gets going.

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All-rounders: Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana

Right-arm wrist-spinner Amelia Kerr is more than capable with the bat and can easily do the job in the top order. Her match-winning ability with both the bat and the ball makes her another obvious pick in the XI.

Amanjot Kaur won the Player of the Match award on her T20I debut for India for her exploits with the bat. She can come in handy with her left-arm medium pace as well.

Sneh Rana brings a lot of experience to the side, thanks to her clutch performances under pressure and the ability to come in handy with the bat.

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Bowlers: Pooja Vastrakar, Dayalan Hemalatha, Mansi Joshi

Pooja Vastrakar has grown into a reliable cricketer for India with the ball in hand and has also shown shades of her ability to score crucial runs when needed. Dayalan Hemalatha is another such player who can play as an off-spinner and is used as a floater in the batting line-up according to the situation.

Mansi Joshi hasn't been around the Indian team for a while now, but this WPL season could really give her the opportunity to make an impact and bring her experience into play.