The second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft witnessed a surge of Indian talent, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma headlining the platinum-round picks. Rodrigues reunited with Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat, while Deepti joined Melbourne Stars, where she will play alongside Meg Lanning.
Hobart Hurricanes, with the first pick, drafted in Danni Wyatt after losing out on Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt to retention picks. Melbourne Renegades opted for Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, while Hayley Matthews was allocated a gold category as their second-round pick.
Heat drafted in Shikha Pandey, marking her maiden WBBL season. Melbourne Stars also selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as their third pick. Perth Scorchers, with Sophie Devine as their pre-signed captain, drafted in D Hemalatha, who has played alongside Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the WPL.
Adelaide Strikers’ third pick was Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has captained Ireland in ODIs. Sydney Sixers, with Amelia Kerr as a gold-category pick, could have a potent spin-bowling combo with Ecclestone.
The presence of six Indians in the WBBL is the most for an edition of the tournament. This influx of Indian talent highlights the growing strength of women’s cricket in India and the WBBL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
