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Smriti Mandhana (Source - Twitter)
India’s star opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was sold to Bangalore for a sum of INR 3.4 cr in the Women’s T20 League auction at the Jio World Conventional Center in Mumbai on Monday, February 13. Mumbai made the first bid on Mandhana and there was a competitive bidding war between them and Bangalore. However, the Bangalore-based franchise ended up signing the star India left-hander.
Mandhana made her T20I debut in April 2013 against Bangladesh and since then she has established herself as one of the most sought-after batswomen in the Indian team. She talked about the auction and said that this is a huge moment and history for women’s cricket.
“I was always glued to auctions of men whenever it used to happen. And it’s such a big moment for women’s cricket too, for us to have an auction of this sort. So really, I think this is just a history of firstly announcement of Women’s T20 League and then definitely this auction," Mandhana said on Sports18.
I hope that we both can together build a great team: Smriti Mandhana
In the T20I format, she has played 112 matches and has scored 2651 runs at an average of 27.61. Her highest score in the shortest format is 86 and she has 20 fifties to her name. She talked about her excitement of joining one of the biggest franchises with a huge fanbase around the world. She is also excited to wear the popular red jersey of Bangalore.
“I think the whole thing is exciting and I’m just saying it’s just an exciting time ahead. I think Bangalore have a big legacy as they have been in the Indian T20 League for more than a decade and it’s built a lot of big fanbase So, really excited to be, part of such a big franchise and I hope that we both can together build a great team," she added.
“I’m really excited to be part of Bangalore. And really excited to be wearing the red color and, going out trying to get the cup. All the fans keep supporting us. We’ll try and have a great tournament," she concluded.