List of Indian Women Cricketers Picked for WBBL 2024

The 10th season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) commenced on October 27 (Sunday) and has been filled with a balance of young and experienced talents from domestic and international cricket.

Indian women cricketers have found WBBL a perfect platform to establish their names and gain exposure at the international level. Similar to previous editions, this year too there are six Indian players featuring in WBBL 2024.

Out of four rounds, Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues were selected in the first WBBL draft round. Whereas, the Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was pre-signed by her former franchise Adelaide Strikers in the third round.

Shockingly, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur after representing Melbourne Renegades in the previous seasons, failed to secure her spot in the squad and went unsold in the 2024-25 draft. However, her teammates Yastika Bhatia and Dayalan Hemalatha continue to play for their teams in WBBL 10.

Whereas, Shikha Pandey after losing her central contract with BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) in 2023, was the third Indian player to be picked in the draft after being signed by the Brisbane Heat in the second round.

It would be interesting to discuss the special abilities of the six Indian women cricketers participating in the WBBL 2024-25 season.

1. Smriti Mandhana: Adelaide Strikers

It is a comeback for the Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana in WBBL since her last appearance in the 7th season. She is one among those four overseas players for the defending champions Adelaide Strikers.

Mandhana scored 784 runs in 38 WBBL matches including a century and four half-centuries at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 130.02. 

2. Jemimah Rodrigues: Brisbane Heat

Earlier, the Indian ace middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues represented both the Melbourne franchises (Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars) and in the 10th edition, she will be playing for Brisbane Heat.

Also, this is the third WBBL season for Jemimah. Out of 21 matches, she scored 422 runs in 19 innings at an average of 23.44, and a strike rate of 115.62, including 2 half-centuries with the highest score of 75.

Her inclusion will strengthen Brisbane’s middle-order batting line-up, which is essential for the franchise to claim their third championship title. 

3. Deepti Sharma: Melbourne Stars

Indian batting all-rounder Deepti Sharma in her second stint in WBBL with Melbourne Stars provides a solid balance in the batting and bowling line-up. The former player of Sydney Thunders Women has contributed match-winning performances for India with bat and ball.

The 27-year-old with her left-handed batting skills scored 211 runs in 14 WBBL innings averaging at 35.17 with a healthy strike rate of 106.57. As an off-spin bowler, Deepti bagged 14 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 24.93 by maintaining an economy rate of 7.12 which includes her best bowling figures of 3-13.

4. Yastika Bhatia: Melbourne Stars

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia will be aiming to deliver an outstanding performance in WBBL 2024 for her team Melbourne Stars.

Out of two matches played in the ongoing season, the 24-year-old scored 93 runs in 2 matches. Especially, Melbourne’s opening batter’s 57 runs off 46 balls (including 7 fours and 1 six) at a strike rate of 123.91 was essential in guiding her team to a successful run chase by reaching a total of 136-3 in 17.5 overs against Hobart Hurricanes. 

Due to her poor form and injury, she failed to secure a spot in the Indian squad for the recently concluded Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. However, Yastika is set to make use of this opportunity to perform well on Australian soil to enhance her fortunes to make a comeback in the national team.

5. Dayalan Hemalatha: Perth Scorchers

India’s top-order experienced batter Dayalan Hemalatha makes her debut in the WBBL 2024 against Melbourne Renegades. However, she was able to score just 13 runs from 12 balls (including a four) in her first match.

As a power-hitting batter, Dayalan has made use of her opportunities. The 30-year-old right-handed batter’s proven consistency for the Indian cricket team as well as in WPL (Women’s Premier League) prioritizes her key role in the Perth Scorchers’ squad, having the ability to smash huge sixes.

6. Shikha Pandey: Brisbane Heat

India’s pace bowling all-rounder Shikha Pandey in her first stint in WBBL grabbed 4 wickets in 3 matches of the ongoing season, including two wickets each against Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades.

As a medium pacer, her bowling performance will be crucial for the two-time champions Brisbane Heat. Mainly, Shikha created an impact in her debut match against Adelaide Strikers with noteworthy bowling figures of 2-14 in 4 overs.

Her experience playing for Delhi Capitals Women under Meg Lanning’s captaincy makes her a core player for Brisbane highlighted by her all-round skills to perform well on Australian pitches.

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