‘I can give you my number’ – Bangalore’s mentor Sania Mirza interacts with players ahead of Women’s T20 League

The Bangalore-based franchise appointed Indian Tennis star Sania Mirza as their mentor for the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League. The legendary Indian tennis player will be seen motivating and encouraging the Bangalore players. However, the franchise has signed many star cricketers who themselves have a lot of experience but Sania’s presence can boost their confidence even more.

Sania interacted with the players on Friday, March 3, and said that she has decided to help women athletes from all around the world as she hung up her boots from Tennis after a brilliant career. Bangalore will face Delhi in their first match of the upcoming league on Sunday, March 5

“If somebody has anything to talk about I’m here I can give you my number for when I’m not here…we can have a chat, I’m just here as a friend.”

New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine asked Sania about her retirement to which Sania replied, “I was ready. I have a son and the last one year has been a struggle. I have had three surgeries. I just made the final of Australia in the mix. I was like it’s good to go out on the top like I just wanted to stop. It’s exciting. I’m happy.”

“Photoshoots, media attention, I have dealt with all this for the past 20 years and I think I can help girls cope up with pressure,” she added.

There was no better opportunity for us to get Sania: Mike Hesson

The Bangalore-based outlet’s Director Mike Hesson also talked about the idea behind selecting Sania as a mentor and said that in Men’s team, they didn’t have a mentor as they didn’t need it either. But this time the franchise has decided to try something new and opted for a mentor from a different sports field.

“We haven’t had a mentor since the first few years because we felt within the cricket staff we covered most of the areas. We wanted somebody who can add something different and add some value to the group.” Hesson said.

“Somebody who could talk about the exciting challenges that lie ahead to each and every player in the room, about the opportunities that you will face over the next four-five weeks. There was no better opportunity for us to get Sania onboard,” he added.