Former Tamil Nadu offspinner and talent scout Malolan Rangarajan has been named assistant coach, and former India batter VR Vanitha has been named fielding coach.
RX Murali has also been hired as a power-hitting coach. Murali has amassed an impressive body of work in Bengaluru, having assisted in the development of several Karnataka players, including Mayank Agarwal in recent years. Sania Mirza is ecstatic to work on mental aspects with young Indian talent.
Mirza, the first Indian woman to win a major title (six in women’s and mixed doubles), is expected to join the squad following the ATP Dubai Open, which will most likely be her final professional tournament. Mirza, 36, announced her retirement from professional tennis before the Australian Open, where she finished second in the mixed doubles with partner Rohan Bopanna.
I was surprised, but excited, Mirza explained to RCB TV. I want to persuade young girls that sports can be a viable career option. I want to inspire the next generation to believe that they can achieve their goals no matter how long the odds are stacked against them.
Mirza was especially eager to work with the younger Indian players and help them deal with pressure. I’m excited to work with the younger girls on the mental aspect, she said.
I believe I can [assist in] bringing mental steadiness and mental belief, and I can speak from my 20 years of playing experience. It’s been lonely being the only [Indian] woman doing it for so long, but the pressure has been intense, and that’s something I can truly help with.
Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Sophie Devine, Dane van Niekerk, and Richa Ghosh headlined the inaugural auction.
The team will begin its WPL campaign against the Delhi Capitals on March 5, the tournament’s second day, at Brabourne Stadium.
