Kolkata : The Women’s Big Bash League 2024 (WBBL) Draft saw 6 Indians being picked by franchises, most in any season. However, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and spinner Shreyanka Patil went unsold.
The 6 Players picked in the Draft are – Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey, Yastika Bhatia, Dayalan Hemalatha. Smriti Mandhana was pre drafted to Adelaide Strikers prior hand.
Deepti Sharma and Yastika Bhatia to Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Stars picked both Deepti Sharma and Yastika Bhatia. Deepti played for Sydney Thunder in 2021/22 season. Bhatia will make her debut. They’ll add more depth in Batting line up & Deepti brings another spin bowler advantage. She recently won The Hundred with London Spirits, hitting winning 6.
Jemimah Rodrigues & Shikha Pandey to Brisbane Heat
2 times WBBL Champions Brisbane Heat picked Indian top order Batter Jemimah Rodrigues and all rounder Shikha Pandey. The duo recently played for Trinbago Knight Riders in WCPL 2024 , ending as runner ups.
Jemimah’s recent form has been terrific around the world. She can not only hit the Ball hard but also rotate strike, anchor innings at crucial moments. In WBBL, she also represented the Melbourne teams previously.
Shikha Pandey has been one of the top bowlers in Indian Cricket circuit. Apart from that she’s a hard hitter. She adds depth in Batting & a prime new Ball option. Her inclusion in Brisbane will add another advantage as the conditions will suit her.
Dayalan Hemalatha to Perth Scorchers
3 times WBBL Champions Perth Scorchers picked 29 years Indian batter Dayalan Hemalatha.
This pick surprised many as she’s trying hard to get a place in Indian Cricket team. Despite being a good player of spin, she’s instrumental in playing short balls. She’ll add a good Batting option in Perth Scorchers.
Smriti Mandhana to Adelaide Strikers (pre drafted)
2023 WBBL Champion Adelaide Strikers pre drafted Indian vice captain Smriti Mandhana.
Her form, experience and technique will be vital for the teams title chase in this season. She previously played for Sydney Thunder and recorded highest individual score in WBBL – 130. Her addition to the side is a big boost for the team.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Shreyanka Patil unsold
In a surprising tone, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and spinner Shreyanka Patil didn’t receive any calls in the draft, thereby went unsold. Along with them, hard hitters like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh too received no bids.
Harmanpreet previously won Player of the Tournament with Melbourne Renegades in WBBL 7 and holds the ability to hit the Ball out of the park. Shreyanka, on other hand, has wicket taking ability and was purple cap winner in WPL 2024. However, she too went unsold.
The WBBL will kick start on October 27, just after conclusion of Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE.
