Saika Ishaque in 2023 and Sajana Sajeevan in 2024, if ever we needed a testament of the Women’s Premier League’s success in unearthing local Indian talent, we really needn’t look beyond them. And Mumbai Indians, as is more often than not the case, was right at the forefront of this, and our Head Coach, Charlotte Edwards, couldn’t be more proud.

“That’s been the highlight for me of the WPL, watching players like Sajana and Saika going on to play for India. It is a great opportunity with India, and that is something special we’ve been seeing from what the WPL is doing for some domestic Indian players. Hopefully we’ll find another gem this year and give them the opportunity to play international cricket,” Charlotte said in a chat with JioCinema on the day of player retentions and releases.

Speaking of players being released, it’s probably the toughest part where you bid goodbye, perhaps a temporary one, to some of our #OneFamily members, and Issy Wong, who was the Paltan favourite with her pace, big shots and her funky celebrations, is certain to be missed.

“For us, it has given us an option in that overseas area,” she threw light on the thinking behind the decision.

“Having brought Shabnim Ismail last year who effectively took her spot in the team, it was a point of us trying to see what’s out there in the Auction, and maybe get an all-rounder in there, in case of any injuries.”

The excitement is right up there, as is the joy of finding the next Sajana and Saika as we head into the season three. But for now, let’s take a moment to relive some memories the Batch of 2024 left us with..