Harman will inspire our women’s team to play their best cricket, bring more glory to women in sports: Nita Ambani
Mar 01, 2023
MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians (MI) on Wednesday announced star Indian batter and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur as the captain of its women's team ahead of the inaugural season of Women's Premier League (WPL).
She recently became the first cricketer to play 150 T20Is and has been a pillar for the national team for over a decade now across formats, since making her debut at the age of 20. The national team captain, who is an Arjuna Awardee, has a solid winning record, and also holds the record for the highest-ever individual score in a knockout game in a Women's World Cup match (171*).
Harmanpreet has played a total of 151 T20Is for India, in which she has scored 3,058 runs at an average of 28.05. She has also scored one century and 10 half-centuries in the shorter format for her country, with the best score of 103.
The Indian skipper can deliver some crucial wickets for her side too, having taken 32 wickets in T20Is, with best bowling figures of 4/23.
Nita M Ambani said in a statement by the team, "We are thrilled to have Harmanpreet as the captain of Mumbai Indians' first-ever women's cricket team. As the national captain, she has led the Indian Women's team to some of their most exciting wins. And I am sure that with Charlotte and Jhulan's support, she will inspire our MI women's team to play their best cricket, display a sense of pride, and bring even more glory to women in sports."
"We are looking forward to the beginning of this new chapter for MI! I cannot wait to see our girls play the fearless and entertaining MI brand of cricket that our fans adore. More power to Harmanpreet and the entire MI team on this exciting journey ahead," added Nita.
Harman has played against head coach Charlotte Edwards and has played with and captained Jhulan Goswami, who is the team's mentor and bowling coach. She has been influential in showcasing the best of Indian cricket to the world, being the first Indian to play in T20 leagues in other parts of the world. She will now lead a team that comprises some of the biggest names in women's cricket and youngsters who are looking forward to showcasing their talent as Mumbai Indians continue being the nursery of talent for global cricket.
Mumbai Indians' coaching team has Charlotte Edwards (Head Coach), Jhulan Goswami (Bowling Coach and Mentor), Devieka Palshikaar (Batting Coach) and Lydia Greenway (Fielding Coach). The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, and comprises of Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, Yastika Bhatia, Heather Graham, Isabelle Wong, Amanjot Kaur, Dhara Gujjar, Saika Ishaque, Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon, Humairaa Kaazi, Priyanka Bala, Sonam Yadav, Neelam Bisht, and Jintimani Kalita.
Mumbai Indians play the season opener of WPL 2023 on March 4 2023, at DY Patil Stadium against Gujarat Giants.
