Harmanpreet Kaur added to Sydney Thunder's 13-member squad for BBL opener

Indian Women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been included in the 13-member squad for Sydney Thunder’s tournament opener against the Melbourne Stars in the first match of the Women’s Big Bash league.

Earlier this year, Kaur had become the first Indian woman to have been included in a foreign T20 league when she signed on the dotted lines for the Thunder. The decision was made after the BCCI gave a go ahead to the women players to participate in foreign leagues.

Speaking after the association with Harmanpreet in July, Sydney Thunder’s General Manager, Nick Cummins, had said: “We are delighted to secure a player of the calibre of Harmanpreet.”

The 27-year old, basking in the glory of having led the Indian side to the title in the recently concluded Asia Cup, joined her new teammates in Sydney as they geared up for the tournament opener. If she does make it to the playing XI, it’ll be a huge achievement for the Punjab-born woman.

In a video posted by the Sydney Thunder on their Facebook page, she looked confident of getting a spot in the playing XI.

“I am really excited to be here and looking forward to play here. When I came here I was a bit tired, but I hope I really do well in the training sessions and tomorrow also. The tournament (Asia Cup) gave me a lot of confidence and whatever I learned there can hopefully help me here. I’ll try to give my best and do whatever the team requires. I just want to play my game and execute whatever I have done in the last few days”.

Speaking on the nickname that her new teammates have chosen for her she said:

“I haven’t been told what nickname I have been given, but whatever I get, I’ll be happy with it”.

Understandably excited about her association with the franchise, and awed by Australia’s culture in cricket, she had told ESPNCricinfo: "We knew it would be big, but didn't realise the WBBL would be such a huge hit until we got there earlier this year. Whichever venue we visited, there was a lot of talk about the tournament”.

Having been part of 58 ODIs and two Tests for the Indian team, the recent Asia Cup win will hold her in good stead for her stint in Australia. Under Harmanpreet, the Indian team maintained its supremacy in the Asia Cup, beating arch-rivals Pakistan by 17 runs in the finals to clinch the title.

Whether she makes it to the playing XI or not, she has already made India proud!

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