Tamil Nadu all-rounder G. Kamalini, who signed for Mumbai Indians for ₹ 1.60 crore at the WPL mini auction in Bengaluru on Sunday, said she did not expect to fetch such a huge amount.
I’m talking to Sports stars from Kuala Lumpur, an excited Kamalini said, “I am extremely happy that Mumbai Indians have chosen me. I went to rehearsals three times. I didn’t expect to be selected for such a huge amount.”
Welcome
“When I went to the Mumbai Indians trials, the atmosphere was very positive and encouraging, which made me want to be a part of the team,” she added. The 16-year-old sparked a fierce bidding battle between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, with the former outselling the latter.
The player was signed up with a base price of ₹10 lakh, but her recent performances in domestic tournaments have made her one of the most sought-after players in the group.
Big game
The southpaw, who can hit huge sixes, was the second-most wicket-taker (311, eight matches) in the U-19 T20 tournament, which Tamil Nadu won.
Kamalini, a wicketkeeper who can also leg-spin, has undergone rigorous training at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai.
Kamalini expressed her gratitude to legendary Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, mentor of the Mumbai Indians Women team, and former India wicketkeeper Kiran More, the team’s manager.
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“I am truly grateful to my parents and elder brother for their immense support in my cricket journey.”
On Sunday, Kamalini’s unbeaten 29-ball 44 (4×4, 3×6) helped India reach home against Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Anticipated interest
MI head coach Charlotte Edwards has stressed her belief in the youngster’s talent ahead of the upcoming WPL.
“This one name has come up consistently in all the meetings over the last two or three months. We needed a back-up for Yastika (Bhatia) and a left-handed player in the midfield.
“She’s young, so we expected interest. That’s why we had to have this bag on hand. We hope she will stay with us for a long time and we look forward to having her on our squad.”
