(Cricket news) Indian superstars Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues are now part of the Melbourne Renegades. Their presence will add significant firepower to the Renegades’ line-up for WBBL 07.
Kaur is one of the game’s most attacking batting batters and had showcased in her unbeaten 171 off just 115 deliveries to send Australia out of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-finals. The 32-year old is leading the current India’s T20 side and also has loads of experience as she has played over 227 matches and is excited to be returning to the WBBL, after a previous stint with the Sydney Thunder.
“It means a lot (to be back). The WBBL has given me a lot of experience and a great platform where I can perform and execute,” Kaur said. “Coming back with a new team, the Renegades… I hope this season will be really great for us. It’s my first season with them and I definitely want to make an impact.
“Whenever I’ve played in the WBBL, I’ve seen many fans around and their excitement. Even lots of Indian fans are coming and watching – it’s a great experience for me. I’m glad that I’m part of this great tournament.”
At 21 Rodrigues is one of cricket’s rising stars. She was in great form at The Hundred, where she was second in highest run scored with 249 runs at a strike rate above 150. Rodrigues has made great progress in the game as she is already the 13th-ranked T20 batter in the world and has represented India on 68 occasions. She will be looking to make a shining debut at WBBL.
“I’m very excited to be here now and to be part of the Renegades,” Rodrigues said. “I think for me, the main goal over here will be just to pull back and play cricket, play some good cricket and enjoy what I’m doing. I know when I do that and when I’m in that headspace, I’m able to give it my best. “The goal is whatever happens, I want to give it my 100 percent each and every time I’m on the field… and hopefully (we can win) the cup for the Renegades!
“I’m super excited, I’m really looking forward to it and there’s so much that I’m going to learn, I’m sure about that.”
WBBL Head Coach, Simon Helmot, welcomed the arrival of the star pair.
“Harmanpreet’s record at international level over the past decade speaks for itself. She’s a match-winner and can take the game away from the opposition in a heartbeat. We also see Harmanpreet being an important addition for our group with her experience and leadership,” Helmot said.
“Jemimah is an immensely talented young player, who is already making her mark on the world stage at 21. She was superb recently in The Hundred over in the UK. Jemimah is a dynamic player who can score quickly and to all parts of the ground.”
The two international signings locks in the Renegades’ squad for WBBL|07.
“We’re thrilled to have Harmanpreet and Jemimah on board and we look forward to welcoming them to our group with open arms following the international series,” General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“Adding two world-class players is something that will no doubt excite our members, fans and wider Renegades community. “We believe we’ve assembled a really well-rounded squad and will enter WBBL|07 with a lot of optimism about what we’re capable of achieving.”
WBBL 07 Squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Makinley Blows, Josie Dooley, Jess Duffin, Ellie Falconer, Holly Ferling, Poppy Gardner, Ella Hayward, Eve Jones*, Harmanpreet Kaur*, Carly Leeson, Rhiann O’Donnell, Jemimah Rodrigues*, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb
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