Last Update: February 16, 2023, 20:30 IST
Gujarat Giants Management and Coaching Staff (Twitter / @Rachel Haynes)
During the recent first-ever player auction for the upcoming WPL, Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants brought in an eclectic mix of players.
It was indeed a big day for Indian women’s cricket as the first-ever players’ auction ahead of the 2023 Women’s Premier League concluded recently where all the five franchises finalized their squads.
Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, was represented by an impressive trio – mentor and advisor Mithali Raj, head coach Rachael Haynes and bowling coach Nushin Al Khadeer – at the auction table in Mumbai.
“From Internationals to Domestic, U-19 and even uncapped players, we have most of the players we wanted,” says Mithali Raj. I am thrilled to have an exciting mix and we are all excited to see how all the players come together and carve a niche for themselves.”
When it comes to the all-rounder department, the team can boast of some amazing names. The Gujarat Giants mentor further adds, “The format of the game is such that apart from pure bowlers, we also need players who are capable of batting. In some aspects you need purists like an opener, but having a good all-rounder can lift the game.”
Meanwhile, for six-time world champion and head coach Rachael Haynes, the auction was a unique experience. “We are looking forward to the players coming together and experiencing the camp ahead of the tournament. All the players add something exciting to the team with their talents which helps them perform better even in stressful situations,” says Rachael Haynes .
“We have specific roles in mind for our players, and we just wanted to make sure the team is flexible in terms of different combinations that can be used to make a great match,” Rachael claims.
“It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and to be in the auction room and a first for our sport was very special. I think everyone really knows how big this moment is.’
Bowling coach Nushin Al Khadeer, who started 2023 on a winning note as head coach of the Indian women’s U-19 team that won the U-19 T20 World The Cup in South Africa in January, followed by a thrilling auction.
“Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, have got all the players that we wanted, so, we are happy about that. We are looking forward to the WPL and it will be a great process for the whole team to go through. We are all very excited to be a part of such an auction and play the upcoming games in Mumbai next month,” says Nushin.
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