Harmanpreet has played 150 T20I matches [AP Photos]
After making their fans wait for ages, Mumbai Indians (MI) have finally announced their skipper for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL). Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been given the responsibility to lead the franchise in the inaugural edition.
Harmanpreet holds wealth of experience at the international stage, having made her India debut in 2009. She recently became the first cricketer to play 150 T20I matches, and has been a vital cog for the Women in Blue in the last decade.
A shrewd leader, Harmanpreet has led India to the 2020 T20 World Cup final, Commonwealth Games final, and the 2023 T20 World Cup semis. Her experience will be crucial if the franchise is to replicate the same form which the men's team has shown over the years.
"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 so looking forward to the beginning of this new chapter for MI! I can’t 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," Mrs Nita Ambani said.
The Mumbai based franchise have included a star-studded coaching staff as well. Former England captain, Charlotte Edwards has been appointed as the head coach, while former India seamer, Jhulan Goswami has the responsibility as their mentor and bowling coach.
Mumbai Indians comprise of some of the best women's cricketer of the current era, and the expectations will be high when they kick-start their campaign against Gujarat Giants on March 4.
