If players do well in WPL, then it means they're kind of ready for international cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur

The Women's Premier League (WPL) is set to kick off its second season, and anticipation is building not just for the fans but for the players eyeing a spot in the Indian national squad ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.

India's Team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who steered Mumbai Indians to victory in the inaugural WPL season, believes that this tournament can be a launchpad for domestic players aiming for international recognition. With the T20 World Cup slated for September-October in Bangladesh, Harmanpreet emphasized that strong performances in the WPL could make the selection process easier for the BCCI selectors.

"WPL is the kind of platform where domestic players will get opportunities. If they do well here, then it means they're kind of ready for international cricket," Harmanpreet stated in a pre-season press conference in Mumbai.

"It makes things easier for the BCCI [selectors] because you've proven yourself at a good level and under pressure. If we get to see good talent and performances here, then it'll be really good for us [Indian team] to look at such players and give them opportunities while thinking of the team for the T20 World Cup. I think players getting such opportunities will want to grab them with both hands because if you can perform here then everyone is looking at you and your performance won't be wasted, and you'll get chances going ahead," she further continued.

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Drawing inspiration from the success stories of players like Saika Ishaque, who earned international debuts after an impressive performance in the WPL, Harmanpreet reiterated the significance of the tournament for aspiring cricketers.

"Last year we saw Saika do well and other players too who were picked later in the team. Later on, they got opportunities in the Indian team. So it's a good platform for players because if you do well here, you can get picked [for the Indian team]," Harmanpreet concluded.

We're trying to give chances to young girls in domestic cricket: Goswami

Mumbai Indians women's team known for their scouting prowess, are determined to unearth hidden gems from domestic cricket. In the same vein, bowling coach Jhulan Goswami highlighted the team's efforts to support young talent. Moreover, she also emphasized the importance of the WPL team which can help the Indian Captain Harmanpreet Kaur in building the team for the biggest event of all in the upcoming times ahead.

"We're trying to give chances to young girls in domestic cricket. Our scout team is working really hard to bring them here and we choose the best for our combination and all our quality cricketers. They just need a little bit of support from our end and this platform. On any day they might be a match-winning bowler. We don't know if we're going to make a superstar, but we give them the right platform to showcase their talent in front of everyone, and it helps Harman for the World Cup team," bowling coach Jhulan Goswami said. 

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The Mumbai Indians have made strategic additions to their squad, including 20-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Amandeep Kaur, who caught the eye with her stellar performances in the Under-23 T20 series. Speaking about Amandeep, bowling coach Goswami expressed excitement and said that she can be a big star as it's not easy to bowl left-arm wrist spin.

"She has been so exciting, when we saw her in the trial. We don't have many left-arm wrist spinners in the country. Charlotte and me really enjoyed watching her in the trials and we signed her. She can be a big star, it's not easy to bowl left-arm wristspin, it's unique in women's cricket. In the future, Harman will be happy to have her in the Indian team," Goswami stated regarding Amandeep.

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