Smriti Mandhana is all set to become the first Indian to feature in the Kia super league in England this summer. She has been signed by the defending champions Western Storm.
Smriti who has been in a fine touch since the Women”s world cup 2017, played a vital role in clinching several wins for the side. She was recently awarded BCCI women”s players of the year 2017-18. Though the side failed miserably in the T20 triseries against Australia and England, she displayed her brilliance with the bat.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the present T20 skipper was roped into Surrey stars last year. Her shoulder injury forced her to pull out of the tournament.
Smriti already represented Brisbane heat in the women”s Big Bash league. The pace friendly conditions in England can surely groom her better to the overseas conditions.
Speaking on the same, an excited Smriti said: “I am very excited to be playing for the Kia Super League champions, To be the first Indian player to appear in the tournament is a real honour and I hope that I can help Western Storm to more success.”
With her solid batting at the opening slot, Smriti can be a deciding factor for the western storm to defend the title successfully.
In case you didn”t know about KIA super league :
Six teams will feature in this league namely Surrey Stars, Western Storm, Southern Vipers, Lancashire Thunders, Loughborough Lightning and Yorkshire Diamonds.
BREAKING: We are delighted to announce the signing of Indian opener Smriti Mandhana for the 2018 Kia Super League! 🤝#StormTroopers 🌪🌪🌪 pic.twitter.com/PBdtYuQXHQ
— Western Storm (@_WesternStorm) June 14, 2018
It is a T20 format where the six sides play over a month. This year the tournament is scheduled from July 22- August 27.