Harmanpreet Kaur explains that it makes the selection process easier because players have proven themselves to be competent under pressure.
India's domestic players can use the upcoming second season of the WPL to showcase their skills and earn a call-up to the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India and the Mumbai Indians, believes that this is a great opportunity for players to make a name for themselves on the big stage.
Kaur, who led Mumbai to victory in the inaugural WPL season, has previously captained India in three T20 World Cups. In 2018 and 2023, India reached the semi-finals, while in 2020 they were runners-up to Australia.
Success in this tournament can demonstrate readiness for international cricket, making the selection process easier for the BCCI. Kaur stated at the pre-season press conference in Mumbai that the Women's T20 Challenge provides domestic players with opportunities to prove themselves at a high level and under pressure.
Kaur gave an example of Saika Ishaque, a left-arm spinner who gained fame in the first WPL season by taking 15 wickets. This performance earned her debuts in both ODI and T20I later that year, as well as a maiden Test call-up. Ishaque had a memorable debut in the WPL, taking 4 wickets for 11 runs in the opening game against Gujarat Giants. She later wore the purple cap for a period during the league stage and finished the tournament as the joint second-highest wicket-taker, along with her teammates Issy Wong and Amelia Kerr.
Like the IPL, the Mumbai Indians women's team has the potential to discover hidden talent from domestic cricket and accelerate their journey to international cricket. The Mumbai franchise is renowned for its scouting system, and the team management is currently focusing on promoting more domestic spinners.
According to bowling coach Jhulan Goswami, they're trying to provide opportunities to young girls in domestic cricket. Scouting team is working diligently to select the best cricketers for the team.
Who is the next Mumbai Indians uncapped talent to watch?
Head coach Charlotte Edwards expressed confidence in the squad's depth and hoped to discover the next Indian star for the future. She praised 20-year-old left-arm wristspinner Amandeep Kaur, who plays domestic cricket for Haryana with Shafali Verma, as one of the team's standout spinners. Amandeep was purchased by Mumbai for INR 10 lakh (approximately US$ 12,000) in the recent auction. She will be one of the spin-bowling options along with Ishaque, Kerr, and Chloe Tryon, in addition to the uncapped spinners SB Keerthana (a leg-spinning all-rounder) and Sajeevan Sajana (an off-spinning all-rounder).
Amandeep was the third-highest wicket-taker in the Under-23 T20 series that concluded last year, taking 15 wickets from seven games. In the ongoing Under-23 One-Day Trophy, Amandeep has taken 17 wickets from 10 games, and Haryana will play the final against Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.
Under the Women's FTP, India have only two international series left before the T20 World Cup: the Asia Cup in August-September and a home T20I series against South Africa in September. The younger players may view the WPL as an opportunity to showcase their skills and catch the attention of selectors in hopes of being called up to the Indian team.