Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, the left-hand batsman with jersey no. 18 and batting position at number 3 similar to Virat Kohli, joins the Adelaide Strikers for WBBL season 2024-25. She is expected to fortify the batting side of Strikers with her striking ability to hit the maximums and her classy style of playing cricket shots with elegance.
Adelaide Strikers signs the batting maestro Smriti Mandhana
The impressive batter with a strike rate of over 130 has been a part of three teams in the previous seasons of WBBL, such as the Brisbane Heat (WBBL|02), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL|04), and Sydney Thunder (WBBL|07). Smriti Mandhana played an impressive innings in WBBL|7 against the Melbourne Renegades of 114* in a mere 64 balls.
Smriti has been an absolute all-format player for Indian cricket, with two coveted ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year awards and is only the second player to achieve this feat alongside Ellyse Perry from Australia in the world.
She is considered to be the most decorated player in India leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru alongside the coach Luke Williams in the 2024 season, fortunately, they won the title of IPL, which till now the male team of RCB has not been able to achieve in 16 years that include giant, extremely talented players like Ab de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis.
Smriti Mandhana also worked alongside Luke Williams for the Southern Brave in the Hundred League. Luke expressed his experience and enthusiasm for working with her:
“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 for us. I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team and on the field. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season,” Williams said.
Smriti also shared her excitement about joining and playing in Australia for WBBL seasons.
“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,” Mandhana said.
In addition to that, the Adelaide Strikers have made a trade with the Melbourne Renegades ahead of the WBBL Draft. Both teams have traded their 19th and 30th draft picks for the Renegades’ 22nd and 27th picks. This draft will be disclosed on September 1st. The Adelaide Strikers will kick off their WBBL season 10 campaign at home against the Brisbane Heat on October 27th.
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