Watch: Gujarat Giants mentor Mithali Raj dances on ‘Manike Mage Hithe’ ahead of WPL 2023

The inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) is expected to kick off on Saturday, March 4, with Gujarat Giants taking on Mumbai Indians at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Mithali Raj, the former India women’s national captain who declared her retirement from all forms of the game last year, will now be seen in a new role at the WPL. Mithali, who was hired as the Gujarat Giants’ mentor, was spotted shaking a leg.

Star Cricketer Mithali Raj, also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, was seen performing to the renowned song ‘Manike Mage Hithe’.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 #𝐖𝐏𝐋 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡! 😌#WPL #WomensPremieLeague #GujaratGiants #Adani #Cricket @M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/6rIxPyiXXG

— Gujarat Giants (@GujaratGiants) March 1, 2023

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

You just slayed it Mithali ♥️

— Devjani (@CricketKenway) March 1, 2023

Omg @RituD307. The GOAT also has some moves!

— Jay Dansinghani 🏏 (@JayDansinghani) March 1, 2023

I’ve stated this a while back @M_Raj03 has got good moves. World’s best women’s cricketer turned out a fabulous commentator & now she has become an amazing dancer 💃🏻! pic.twitter.com/5bzzcl2r8U

— Hari (@hkrocks12) March 1, 2023

Captain cool in every sense! So good! 🤩👌

— Ritwika Dhar (@RituD307) March 1, 2023

As mentor of the side, the 40-year-old cricketer will also promote women’s cricket and assist develop the sport at the grassroots level in Gujarat.

The Ahmedabad franchise was the most expensive of the five teams during the recent auction, with Adani Sportsline paying Rs 1289 crore.

Mithali believes the new BCCI strategy will help women’s cricket grow steadily and encourage young players to pursue a career in cricket.

“The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League is a fantastic move for women’s cricket and the involvement of the Adani Group is a massive boost for the sport as well,” said Mithali on Saturday.

“Women’s cricket is growing steadily, and this kind of impetus will undoubtedly encourage young women to consider taking up cricket professionally.

“I believe that the high-impact participation of corporates will help hasten the process of eventually bringing more glory to India.

“This level of influence can help strengthen the sporting ecosystem and enhance opportunities for women athletes,” she added.

Also Read: Wankhede Stadium Profile and Analysis: History, Records, IPL Records, Pitch Report, statistics and Major Matches