History was penned in Mumbai as Smriti Mandhana became the most expensive player in the history of the WPL wherein Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was next to hit the stride. There were mixed reactions from where the cricketing directors and the coaches expressed their opinion and also tried to highlight the required strategies behind all of them.
RCB cricketing director, Mike Hesson added on Smriti Mandhana’s addition, stating, “Everyone knows Mandhana and Perry, we were pretty committed to the couple of people we wanted to get. We’re very happy to get such quality players. It’s a dream result for us to get Mandhana, Perry and Devine. Smriti has got plenty of captaincy experience and is familiar with the Indian conditions, so highly likely [she’ll be captain].”
Parth Jindal, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals also opened up on the captaincy options, adding, “No, it’s too early for that, but of course there are captaincy options in those names. One is an India Under-19 captain [Shafali], another is a legend of the game in Meg Lanning. Jemimah too is a wonderful reader of the game. But it all depends on the coach at the end of it, also depends on who else we pick up.”
Smriti Mandhana also opened up on her selection by the RCB management adding, “We have been watching auction of men’s. It is such a big moment for women to have an auction of this sort. The whole thing is exacting. RCB’s legacy is big, they have built a big fan-base. Hope we both can together build a big team. Namaskara Bengaluru, excited to wear the red and gold and aim for the cup.”
Harleen Deol also opined on her inclusion, adding, “Very good opportunity for all of us. We have been waiting for this for a verty long time. All players have been looking forward to this. It’s a very good platform for people to perform. I always believed I would make it to the Indian team. This was one of our dreams and it’s coming true.”
Deepti Sharma was the final addition on this list, stating, “Obviously it is s nice opportunity. I will look to do well for the UP team. I am looking forward to it. This is a new beginning because we were waiting for this for a long time. My role will be to do well. Works well for all Indian players, who were waiting for it. Will aim to contribute to the UP team.”
