India's star opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has officially joined the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 10 season. The Indian batting sensation, known for her elegant stroke play and consistency at the top of the order, will be a valuable addition to the Strikers as they look to build on their past successes.
Mandhana is no stranger to the WBBL, having previously appeared in three seasons with the Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, and Sydney Thunder. Her wealth of experience in Australian conditions, coupled with her recent exploits in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024, where she led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory under coach Luke Williams, makes her a strategic signing for the Strikers.
Mandhana's Excitement and Reunion with Luke Williams
Expressing her enthusiasm for joining the Strikers, Mandhana said, "I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers. I’m thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I’m looking forward to building on that."
Luke Williams, who has had a successful coaching partnership with Mandhana at both the WPL and Southern Brave in The Hundred, welcomed her to the Strikers with open arms. "Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers. Her technical skill, experience, and strategic insights are a tremendous asset to us. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season," Williams commented.
Indian Presence in WBBL 10
Mandhana’s signing highlights a significant Indian presence in WBBL 10. A total of 19 Indian players have nominated themselves for the WBBL draft, including prominent names like Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The draft is set to take place this Sunday, with several franchises eyeing Indian talent to bolster their squads. The Adelaide Strikers will kick off their WBBL 10 campaign against the Brisbane Heat at the Adelaide Oval on October 27.
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