Women’s Big Bash League’s event organizers have revealed that India’s women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur along with the young batter Jemimah Rodrigues will play for Melbourne Renegades in the forthcoming edition.
Harmanpreet Kaur has already played once in the league, having featured for Sydney Thunder. On the other hand, it will be a debut season for the 21-year-old Rodrigues in the WBBL which starts on October 14.
“It means a lot (to be back). The WBBL has given me a lot of experience and a great platform where I can perform and execute,” Harmanpreet was quoted as saying on the team’s website.
“Coming back with a new team, the Renegades. I hope this season will be really great for us. It’s my first season with them and I definitely want to make an impact.”
Rodrigues confirmed she is entering into WBBL in an excellent form.
“For me, the main goal over here will be just to pull back and play cricket, play some good cricket and enjoy what I’m doing. I know when I do that and when I’m in that headspace, I’m able to give it my best,” Rodrigues was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Rodrigues wasn’t included in the Indian team that tasted defeat in the ODI series 1-2 against Australia. She did perform well recently in The Hundred, where she slammed a massive 249 runs in seven innings for the Northern Superchargers.
“The goal is, whatever happens, I want to give it my 100 per cent each and every time I’m on the field and hopefully (we can win) the cup for the Renegades.”
“I’m super excited, I’m really looking forward to it and there’s so much that I’m going to learn, I’m sure about that,” she said.
Renegades coach Simon Helmot also praised Harmanpreet’s talent. She faced a thumb injury and was not able to play in India’s ODI clash against Australia this month.
“Harmanpreet’s record at international level over the past decade speaks for itself,” Helmot said.
“She’s a match-winner and can take the game away from the opposition in a heartbeat. We also see Harmanpreet being an important addition for our group with her experience and leadership.”
The coach was absolutely awestruck with the way Rodrigues played in The Hundred.
“Jemimah is an immensely talented young player, who is already making her mark on the world stage at 21,” the coach said.
“She was superb recently in The Hundred over in the UK. She’s is a dynamic player who can score quickly and to all parts of the ground.“