WPL 2024 Auction: "Mumbai Indians Will Unearth Uncut And Unpolished Diamonds Like They Always Do" - WV Raman

WV Raman believes that the Mumbai Indians (MI) will focus on acquiring unknown talented players at the WPL 2024 auction. Raman said that the Mumbai Indians want to strengthen the team and increase their chances of winning tournaments in the coming years.

The Mumbai Indians released four players, including Heather Graham, from their contingent ahead of the WPL auction on December 9. The defending champions have the smallest purse of ₹2.10 crore and can acquire a maximum of five players, including one foreigner.

A Platform For Investment – WV Raman

During a preview on Sports 18, Raman expressed the expectation that the Mumbai team would use the auction as an opportunity for investment. He emphasized the franchise’s knack for discovering unpolished diamonds and nurturing them into good players.

“What they will do is use this auction as a platform for investment. They will unearth uncut and unpolished diamonds like they always do. I am sure that they will pick up three-four players for the future. They will develop their skills so that they are going to serve them in the years to come,” WV Raman said.

“I think that’s exactly what Mumbai Indians are going to do in this auction. They will look for young Indian players because they know that you need to have a strong Indian contingent in your squad for you to win tournaments,” he added.

They Are Looking For A Leg-Spinner – Anjum Chopra

Reflecting on the Mumbai Indians’ strategy for the auction, Anjum Chopra mentioned the team’s focus on acquiring a leg-spinner and an explosive all-rounder batter. Chopra highlighted the importance of versatile players for success in various cities.

“At the end of the day, you want to still keep your nucleus and build on that nucleus. The little conversations that I have picked up – they are looking for a leg-spinner, and they are looking to also have an all-rounder batter who can be an explosive finisher,” Anjum Chopra said.

“They have got a good batting lineup, especially with Amelia Kerr also coming in after Nat Sciver-Brunt, but (it will become better) if you can get an Indian recruit there. Right now, we are playing in Mumbai, but you still want players who can go outside Mumbai and be adaptable to other cities,” she added.

Retained Players: Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Humairaa Kaazi, Isabelle Wong, Jintimani Kalita, Natalie Sciver, Pooja Vastrakar, Priyanka Bala, Saika Ishaque, Yastika Bhatia

Released Players: Dhara Gujjar, Heather Graham, Neelam Bisht, Sonam Yadav

Also read: WV Raman Slams Team India For Underutilizing Washington Sundar