Ahmedabad: Multiple-time World Cup winner Australian opener Rachel Haynes has been appointed head coach of the Gautam Adani-owned Women’s Premier League (WPL) team Gujarat Giants. Nooshin Al Khadeer, who guided India to U-19 team to World Cup triumph, will be the bowling coach of the Gujarat Giants.
The Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants, bought for a whopping Rs 1,289 crore, has already roped in former India captain Mithali Raj as their mentor and advisor. Former senior women’s team coach Tushar Arothe will be the team’s batting coach and Gavan Twining will look after the fielding department.
“Not only have they carved a niche for themselves in their roles, but their stories of resilience will be an inspiration for the team,” said Mithali.
“Their combined strengths will enable Gujarat Giants to give their best performance on the ground at the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League, which will inspire several aspiring women athletes.”
Haynes, who has played at the highest level for more than a decade, has won six World Championship titles with the Australian team and was the vice-captain of the side from 2017-2022.
Haynes, who was an integral part of the very successful national set-up, is a veteran of 84 T20Is and played crucial roles in the Australian team’s title winning campaigns at the 2018 and 2020 T20 World Cups. Haynes has also turned out for the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League, often leading the run scoring charts for her side.
“The Women’s Premier League is such an exciting addition to the cricket landscape. The opportunity to be involved in the inaugural season with the Adani Sportline owned Gujarat Giants and work with the brilliant Mithali Raj is something I’m really looking forward to,” said Haynes in a release.
“We have formed a wonderful coaching team, with Nooshin Al Khadeer, Tushar Arothe and Gavan Twining, who will be bringing on board their rich experience which will help the team to play an exciting brand of cricket which our fans will enjoy watching,” Haynes added.