Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) took an aggressive but confident approach to buy a squad comprising 18 of the world’s top and most talented players during the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction on Monday in Mumbai.
With strong homework, research and months of scouting, RCB had a clear plan going into the auction for the first edition of the WPL.
Sticking to a bold team shaping strategy, RCB started their innings by buying iconic Indian opener Smriti Mandhana (INR 3.40 CR), becoming the costliest buy not only in WPL but in all other women’s cricket. league in the world.
Following the acquisition of the two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, the team added notable international names to their squad, including Australian duo of all-rounder Ellyse Perry (INR 1.70 CR) and medium pacer Megan Schutt (INR 40 CR). . lakh), New Zealand captain Sophie Devine (Rs 50 lakh), England captain Heather Knight (Rs 40 lakh) and South African all-rounder Dane van Niekerk (Rs 30 lakh).
Young and emerging talent wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh (Rs 1.90 crore) and right-arm pacer Renuka Singh (Rs 1.50 crore) were the key Indian additions to RCB’s star-studded roster.
In line with their commitment to provide more opportunities to the raw talent from India, as emphasized by the Director Cricket Operated by Mike Hesson, RCB also signed wrist spinner Asha Shobhana (Rs 10 lakh), promising off-spinner Shreyanka Patil (Rs 10 lakh) and all-rounder Kanika Ahuja (Rs 35 lakh).
Talking about the WPL auction for the first time, RCB chairman, Prathamesh Mishra said, “Buying a women’s team was always on the cards for RCB and we started putting the puzzles together months before the WPL team tender . prior appointment India Cricketer Vanitha VR as our scout was a key in that process. She comes with vast experience and knowledge of the domestic circuit as well as contemporary cricketers around the world.
“Their input and our ‘RCB Hinterland’ scouting process combined ensured that we started our evaluation process ahead of time. However, with the lack of readily available data on women’s cricket, we had to go through multiple scouting layers to identify potential players. Had to put them through, we believed in as many eyes as our guiding principle, before shortlisting the top 100 names that would best fit RCB’s play bold philosophy.”
“Smriti Mandhana was central to this plan and I am delighted that we have put together a team that includes experienced and bold players who not only represent the mindset of a champion but also resonate our core brand philosophy. “
“The mix of young and dynamic talent will give us the flexibility to experiment and take bold approaches. We have been receiving a great response from our fans since the auction and I am glad that we were able to achieve what we set out to achieve. And now it’s time to crack on with an amazing first season of the WPL season,” added Mishra.
Talking about the strategy and purchases behind the aggressive bidding in the auction, Mike Hesson, Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Not only have we got the dynamics of our auction right but we have also exceeded our expectations . The team we have picked is not only 100%, but 120% on target with what we have set out.”
Hesson continued, “Our scouting team certainly had a big role in going out and tracking players worth a go, finding raw talent and making sure to polish them to meet the vision mix.” [Mandhana] Can play bold and is highly respected by Indian players and abroad. Ellyse Perry is very experienced and a powerful player as well.”
“She can bat anywhere in the batting order between the opening sixes; Can bowl bouncers and has vast experience of playing in India. She is someone who would also add greater leadership value within the group. We have an exciting group of cricketers amongst us and I am very proud to be a part of this team,” he concluded.
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