Women’s Premier League is all set to take centerstage and many feel that it’s going to bring a much-needed revolution in women’s cricket. Earlier, the BCCI did the same with men’s cricket when Indian Premier League took the world by storm in 2008 and it has now become the biggest franchise-based league in sports. Five teams will take part in the inaugural season of WPL starting March 4 as they have already assembled some star-studded squads to get their hands on the coveted trophy on the first attempt.
Adani Sportsline Pvt Ltd splashed a whopping Rs 1,289 crore to buy Gujarat Giants – the most anyone spent for buying one of the five WPL teams. The Ahmedabad-based franchise assembled a star-studded squad in the quest to lift the trophy in their debut season.
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Gujarat have hired an experienced support staff to guide the dressing room in their debut season. Legendary India batter Mithali Raj is named the mentor of the side. While Rachael Haynes, a former Australian women’s cricketer, has been assigned as the head coach. Meanwhile, Tushar Arothe will be the team’s batting coach and Nooshin Al Khadeer is named bowling coach for the WPL 2023.
Sushma suggested that Gujarat Giants have assembled the right people to take the franchise in the right direction which is also going to help the Indian women’s team in future.
“I think the kind of support staff, I have worked with Tushar sir, Nooshin di, they create a very good atmosphere and with the inclusion of Rachel Haynes the Australian culture will also come in and how they approach this game. All these things will make difference for Gujarat Giants. Over the years, I have been a keen follower of IPL where I witnessed how a franchise back and show their trust in the players which is very important for the franchise and the players both. IPL has given us many talents who have played for India. So I am looking forward to how WPL produce the same for India Women’s team. The Roadmap and the people involved in the team look good and as a team will try to do our best,” she added.
While the wicketkeeper batter refuted that there will be added pressure on the team in their debut season for being one of the most highly profiled sides by signing star overseas talents and a group of the experienced coaching staff.
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