How Crucial Are Harman's Inputs During Auctions? Jhulan Goswami Explains
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Harmanpreet Kaur's insights are crucial for auction strategies.
- Maintaining continuity was a key focus for the Mumbai Indians.
- Successful retention of core players contributes to championship victories.
- Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail were standout acquisitions.
- Effective planning led to unexpected budget-friendly buys.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) Jhulan Goswami, the bowling coach and mentor for the Mumbai Indians, emphasized the necessity of ensuring continuity, making astute acquisitions, and the pivotal role of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during the auction process.
Initially, the MI team moved cautiously at the auction, with Kaur present at the table alongside the decision-making team. However, they successfully reacquired several key players, including Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque, and Shabnim Ismail, after releasing them.
During an interview on JioHotstar, Goswami shared insights regarding Kaur’s influence during the auction, stating, “As captain, Harman's inputs are consistently vital in shaping auction strategies. Ultimately, she leads this team and has achieved remarkable success. Her contributions represent the most significant aspect of the entire auction process.
“Our responsibility is to support her on and off the field. Having her at the auction table was a tremendous advantage; her insights were invaluable, aiding us in maintaining the core of our team.”
Discussing the team’s auction strategy, Goswami noted, “The primary objective was to keep our robust support network of players intact. This is how we clinched two championships in the last three years. That was the basic strategy, nothing beyond that.”
The former Indian pacer also highlighted that the acquisitions of Kerr and Ismail were critical for the team, noting their surprise at acquiring the South African pace sensation at a lower price.
“Amelia Kerr was an excellent acquisition. She offers us immense variation, volume, and balance. Over the last three years, her performance in the tournament has been outstanding, and as an all-rounder, she is crucial. Alongside her, Shabnim Ismail was another superb addition.
“We did not anticipate securing Shabnim at such a low cost. Hence, from a budgetary standpoint, our planning was effective. It was a delightful surprise as we expected her to command a much higher price.”
All teams seem prepared post the WPL Mega Auction, gearing up for the upcoming season commencing January 9, 2026.