Smriti Mandhana’s record-equalling runs and Harmanpreet Kaur’s domination headlined India’s growing presence
To the casual fan, the inclusion of eight Indian players in the 2021 Women’s Big Bash League season may have looked like it was following The Nanny’s selection guidelines – they had style, they had flair, they were there. The multi-format series between Australia and India leading directly into the domestic competition allowed for a great influx of Indian players to stay behind and avoid extra quarantine requirements. As a bonus, these players were front of mind for the Australian public, having just watched them battle it out with Australia across ODIs, T20s and a rare Test match.
With the season drawing to a close, it is clear that what this group was able to bring was far more than convenience and recognisable names. While the majority of import players in the WBBL have traditionally been drawn from England, South Africa and New Zealand, this season has demonstrated what greater diversity can add to women’s cricket. From Smriti Mandhana’s record-equalling 114 runs for the Sydney Thunder to Harmanpreet Kaur’s domination of the competition, the Indian players have elevated the WBBL to a greater level than ever before.
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