'Important that we carry forward Mumbai legacy' - Charlotte Edwards on franchise's vision in Women's T20 League

When the Mumbai franchise took to the field in the opening match of the Women’s T20 League, they were carrying a proud legacy forward. The legacy of winning five Indian T20 League (ITL) titles, the most in the tournament.

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While that may be a burden for some, it is nothing but an absolute honour for this team and that has shown in the victories that they have been able to put on the board and playing the Mumbai way of cricket - fearless and exciting.

At the end of the first week of action, Mumbai are the only unbeaten team in the league. They are sitting on top of the points table, having won each of their three matches comfortably.

A week has passed since Mumbai played the inaugural game, and the players and coaches highlight what the Mumbai legacy means to them.

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Charlotte Edwards, who has played an instrumental role in integrating the players seamlessly into the set-up and has also gotten them to gel with each other, sees the team doing justice to the Mumbai brand and mentality.

“It is very important for us as a group that we carry on the legacy that Mumbai have created over the years and it is absolutely an honour to be part of this team. We hope to continue that winning mentality and success,” she says.

For India’s lead all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, the journey from being a Mumbai fan to being one of their stars has been an unforgettable one.

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“At the auction, I wasn’t worried about the price. I just wanted to be a part of Mumbai and now that it has happened, I’m extremely happy,” Vastrakar said.

Batting coach Devieka Palshikaar credited the team’s diversity and also their scouting network and abilities for recruiting the best young talent in the country as well as having a healthy mix of young and experienced players.

“If you see, Mumbai have the most representation from different countries. Even if you look at the domestic players, a lot of them have been absorbed into the team at a very young age. The freedom that the young players get here is really good,” Palshikaar said.

Jhulan Goswami, mentor and bowling coach, sees Mumbai making the same impact in women’s cricket that they have in men’s cricket over the years, mainly because of the environment the franchise creates for the team. “This franchise has done so much for men’s cricket. The legacy they have and the winning mentality, these are very important things for a professional athlete,” said Goswami.

“Mumbai are the team that most people want to be involved with. We have obviously got a huge fan base. There are amazing results in terms of what the men have already done,” fielding coach Lydia Greenway said.

The team’s younger players have also embraced the rich legacy and have just been told to play their natural games without any fear by captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

“We know the legacy of the men’s team. So it is a challenge we are willing to take up,” local girl Humairaa Kaazi said. Amanjot Kaur, who made her India debut earlier this year, says the key is to not think too much and just live in the moment. “The more we enjoy, the better it will be for us,” she said.

Isabelle Wong, the youngest overseas player in the tournament, feels the timing of the tournament is ideal, allowing her family back at home to watch Mumbai play and to feel a part of the One family. “My mom has been watching every game. It’s been snowing there, so my mom made a snowman this morning and it was wrapped in the Mumbai flag. They are loving it. It’s at a nice time too. When I played in the Big Bash, it was 3 in the morning at home but it has been quite nice here,” she said.

Mumbai will face the UP next on Sunday, 12th March at the Brabourne stadium.