Shabnim Ismail’s presence gives us extra cushion in bowling: Harmanpreet

Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur believes new signing Shabnim Ismail will give ‘an extra cushion’ to the side’s bowling as they look to defend their title successfully to make it two titles in two years, having won the inaugural WPL edition last year.

Ismail, who only made three appearances for UP Warriorz last season, was roped in by MI for INR 1.20 crore at the auction. The 35-year-old retired from international cricket last year but has continued to play franchise cricket, and enjoyed a very good 2023/24 Women’s Big Bash League for Hobart Hurricanes for whom she picked 13 wickets at an economy of 6.22. 

Harmanpreet believes the veteran could add even more x-factor to an already-strong MI bowling line-up.

“Last year, Issy Wong gave us a lot of balance, and now this year, we have another option in Shabnim. Her presence gives us that extra cushioning in bowling,” MI skipper Harmanpreet said on Thursday (February 22), ahead of her side’s clash against Delhi Capitals.

“She is a great player and has done well for her country and whichever leagues she plays for. She brings in a lot of experience and is someone who can bowl at good pace, and that’s what we have been looking for.”

The MI skipper also expressed excitement over another new recruit of the side, Amandeep Kaur. The uncapped 20-year-old, who plays for Haryana, is a rare commodity, in that she’s a left-arm wrist-spinner. Harmanpreet claimed that the mystery Amandeep brings to the table could spell trouble for other franchises.

“I have not seen any other woman cricketer who bowls left-arm wrist spin. She is a good pick for us,” the MI skipper said of Amandeep.

“You need variety in T20 cricket and sometimes the batters get used to your regular bowlers.”

Being defending champions, and having a team full of superstars, MI will unsurprisingly enter the season as favorites. There are plenty of expectations from fans and experts alike, but Harmanpreet asserted that the players are staying grounded, and are not expecting too much from themselves.

She also expressed that the team has been pleased with the preparation they’ve had heading into the new season.

"We just kept our preparations very simple. We are trying not to expect too much from ourselves and doing too many things. That was our approach last year too and we want to continue that. We are feeling very confident going into this match and tournament," said Harmanpreet.

"We used the facilities in Mumbai ahead of the WPL. We played a few practice games as well, so that we could try some new combinations and the players too get a chance to work upon their game.

"We feel that we are ready for the game. Last year, we had to do extra team-bonding sessions and this time we got some more time on the field training," she said. 

"In that sense, we also got a chance to look at the new girls who have joined this year and we have got a good team balance and we are very confident."