WPL | Twitter blasts Gujarat Giants after Deandra Dottin stirs controversy even before inaugural game

03/04/2023

4869

Where there's money and high stakes, there are controversies and the newly introduced WPL got its first whiff of one on Saturday. Deandra Dottin, who was replaced by Gujarat due to 'medical recovery', revealed that she was completely fit thus raising questions over the Giants' management.

The Women's Premier League nears its much-anticipated inauguration with Gujarat Giants set to kick off proceedings in the tournament against hosts Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The former, owned by the Adani Group, would be gunning for victory under the leadership of Beth Mooney while the Ambani-bought MI would be led onto the field by Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. However, the focus shifted away from the possible happenings on the field come Saturday evening, courtesy of a Deandra Dottin tweet that led to severe questions being raised of the authorities at GG.

Dottin, 31, was bought at the auction for INR 60 lakhs by Gujarat, giving the side a major boost considering her 2,697 runs and 62 wickets in 127 WT20Is. However, on the eve of the opening encounter, the all-rounder was replaced by Australia Kim Garth in the squad with the franchise citing Dottin's 'medical recovery' as the reason behind the swap. The announcement led to a major outbreak of kind messages and sympathy for Dottin on social media, wishing her a speedy recovery. Yet, the Caribbean star broke her silence in spectacular fashion as she reposted one such story with the caption, “Get well soon from what if I may asked?” Later, Dottin returned to social media to tweet a cryptic message revealing no injury was the reason behind her exclusion even though she failed to elaborate on the matter.

Dottin had last played professional cricket in November for the Adelaide Strikes in the Women's Big Bash League, having retired from international cricket last year. Her replacement, Garth, on the other hand, was a part of Australia's squad that emerged triumphant at the World T20 albeit she did not feature in any game in the tournament.

What's going on!

I really appreciate all the messages but truth be told I’m recovering from nothing but the Holy Ghost anointing thank you #GodIsGood #GodIsInControl
— Deandra Dottin (@Dottin_5) March 4, 2023

Something wrong here!

Earlier today, the Gujarat Giants announced that Deandra Dottin had been ruled out of the inaugural Women’s Premier League because she was “recovering from a medical situation”.

Australia’s Kim Garth was named as her replacement.#WPL2023 #WPL #TATAWPL https://t.co/ZUHca6FHZ4
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) March 4, 2023

Replacement or what?

I hope Gujarat Giants put out a statement today before the game starts giving clarity on Deandra Dottin's "injury".

Imagine her replacement Kim Garth playing today and picking up 2-3 wickets. Disrespectful to an absolute legend in Dottin.
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 4, 2023

Really shady

A basic explanation wouldn't hurt. Just come out looking very shady and that's not how a historic tournament (or any tournament) should start before a ball has been bowled. This is utterly disrespectful to Deandra Dottin #WPL2023
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) March 4, 2023

Wait for clarification

I would just say wait for the statement from Gujarat Giants regarding Deandra Dottin. Don't form an opinion before that.

Enjoy the #WPL opener.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) March 4, 2023

Round and round

Gujarat Giants named Kim Garth as replacement for Deandra Dottin but the latter says she ain't injured. #WPL @RevSportz pic.twitter.com/UADQaePHZu
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) March 4, 2023

WPL mystery

Gujarat Giants announced Deandra Dottin injured and picked her replacement.

Dottin claims she's fit!

— VK (@im_cricket_VK) March 4, 2023

Breaking now!

Gujarat Giants announced Deandra Dottin injured and picked her replacement.

Dottin claims she's fit!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 4, 2023

What is the truth?