Smriti Mandhana signs with Western Storm for KSL 2018

Western Storm today revealed that they have acquired the services of Smriti Mandhana for the 2018 season of the Kia Super League.



The 21-year-old India opener has scored over 826 runs with a high score of 76 in the 40 IT20s that she has played in. She has also scored 1464 runs in 41 ODIs at an average of 37.53 with a high score of 135.



2018 has been brilliant for Mandhana as she has scored 531 runs at an average of 66.37 with one century and 5 half-centuries in 9 ODIs and 402 runs at an average of 36.54 with 4 half-centuries in 13 T20Is. The India vice-captain also recently led IPL Trailblazers to a final over finish against Harmanpreet Kaur's IPL Supernovas in an IPL exhibition game in Mumbai.



She is set to become the first Indian player to play the KSL after Harmanpreet Kaur opting out last year due to an injury.



After securing the maiden Indian signing, Western Storm's Head Coach Trevor Griffin said: “We are really excited that Smriti will be joining us. She is one of the brightest young talents in the game at the moment. Although she is still young, she has a great deal of experience of the game at the highest level and we believe that she will prove to be an excellent signing.”



Smriti Mandhana also expressed her excitement about the big news,“I am very excited to be playing for the Kia Super League champions. To be the first Indian player to appear in the tournament is a real honour and I hope that I can help Western Storm to more success.”



Western Storm, captained by England captain Heather Knight, are the defending champions of the Kia Super League having beaten Southern Vipers in the finals by 7 wickets last year.