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WBBL Draft 2024: Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma Highlight First-Round Selections
Key Players Selected in the WBBL Draft 2024
In the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) draft, six Indian players were selected across the first three rounds, with pre-signed Smriti Mandhana also included. Notably, Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues were among the top picks in the initial round. Deepti Sharma, who was the fourth pick overall, joined the Melbourne Stars, while Jemimah Rodrigues, picked seventh, was selected by the Brisbane Heat.
Highlights of the First Three Rounds of the WBBL Draft
However, not all Indian players found success in the draft. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was one of the high-profile names who did not secure a spot, and other Indian players like Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav were also left out of the draft.
In the first round, standout selections included Danni Wyatt, chosen first overall by the Hobart Hurricanes, and premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone, selected by the Sydney Sixers. The Adelaide Strikers picked Laura Wolvaardt, while the Sydney Thunder opted for Heather Knight. Deandra Dottin, who recently reversed her international retirement, was drafted by the Melbourne Renegades.
Shikha Pandey was the third Indian player picked, joining the Brisbane Heat in the second round. During this round, Adelaide Strikers chose to pass, and the Perth Scorchers retained Amy Jones.
The third round saw Hemalatha Dayalan go to the Perth Scorchers as the first pick. Brisbane Heat passed in this round, and Melbourne Renegades acquired Alice Capsey. Sydney Thunder secured their pre-signed player Chamari Athapaththu, while Melbourne Stars signed India wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia. Smriti Mandhana, pre-signed by Adelaide Strikers, was also picked in this round. Sydney Sixers chose to pass.
Upcoming WBBL 2024 Season: Schedule and Key Dates
In the fourth round, several teams passed their picks, including the Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Perth Scorchers. The Adelaide Strikers selected Ireland’s Orla Prendergast, and Nadine de Klerk, chosen by the Brisbane Heat, was the final pick of the draft.
The 2024 WBBL season is set to commence on October 27, with the Adelaide Strikers hosting the Brisbane Heat. The season will feature 43 games, concluding with the final match on December 1.
