Smriti Mandhana, who will play for the defending champion Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming season, has become the first Indian to sign a WBBL pre-draft foreign contract.
In the competition’s ten-year existence, Mandhana will play for the Strikers for the fourth time. The left-hander has played for Sydney Thunder (WBBL 2021), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL 2018–19), and Brisbane Heat (WBBL 2016–17) in the past. With an eye towards workload management, the Indian vice-captain withdrew from the WBBL 2022. She then declined to participate in the first player draft prior to the 2023 edition, opting instead to play in the domestic season in India.
Mandhana will reconnect with Luke Williams, the head coach of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Strikers, having only been surpassed by Ellyse Perry as the second player to win two Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Awards. After RCB placed fourth in the debut year of the five-team tournament, the pair helped the squad win the WPL 2024 championship.
“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,” Mandhana said. “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.”
In addition to the WPL, Mandhana and Williams have also worked together previously at Southern Brave in The Hundred.
“Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers,” said Williams. “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.”
The WBBL 2024 curtain-raiser on October 27 will see the Strikers meet the Brisbane Heat at home in a rematch of the previous season’s finals. Besides Mandhana, the initial selections from India for the September 1 WBBL draft are Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma.
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