'They will unearth uncut and unpolished diamonds'- Former India head coach WV Raman reveals MI's strategy in WPL 2024 auction

Former India head coach WV Raman expects defending champions Mumbai Indians to unearth uncut and unpolished diamonds in the upcoming WPL auction, which is slated to take place on December 9. Notably, they signed Saika Ishaque in the last auction, who in return turned out to be one of their biggest assets. The 28-year-old picked up 15 wickets in 10 matches and courtesy of the same, the spinner has been called up for the ongoing series against England.

Raman expects that the franchise will focus on their future as they will target at least 3-4 youngsters. He added that MI will try to polish their skill in order to make them ready for the future. Just like men’s, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will also aim to build a strong Indian core from their remaining INR 2.10 crore budget.

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“What they will do is use this WPL auction as a platform for investment. They will unearth uncut and unpolished diamonds like they always do. I am sure that they will pick up three players for the future. They will develop their skills so that they are going to serve them in the years to come.

“I think that's exactly what Mumbai Indians are going to do in this auction. They will look for young Indian players because they know that you need to have a strong Indian contingent in your squad for you to win tournaments,” Raman said while speaking to Sports18.

You want to still keep your nucleus and build on that nucleus: Anjum Chopra

Former cricketer Anjum Chopra revealed that the franchise is currently looking for a leg-spinner and an explosive batting all-rounder. She added that the nucleus of the team will remain the same but the franchise also needs players who can adapt to different conditions, especially when the tournament might be hosted in multiple cities. 

“You want to still keep your nucleus and build on that nucleus. The little conversations that I have picked up - they are looking for a leg-spinner, and they are looking to also have an all-rounder batter who can be an explosive finisher. Right now, we are playing in Mumbai, but you still want players who can go outside Mumbai and be adaptable to other cities,” the former India skipper mentioned.