WPL 2023: Mithali Raj asked me to join Gujarat Giants as head coach, says Rachael Haynes

Nearly five months after announcing her retirement from all forms of cricket, former Australia batter Rachael Haynes has been pulled back to the sport but in a different role.

Haynes, who is a two-time ODI World Cup champion and won the T20 World Cup four times, agreed to take up the role of head coach at Adani Sportsline's Gujarat Giants in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) after being contacted by India batting legend and Gujarat's mentor Mithali Raj.

While the 36-year-old Haynes has not coached a team before, she was a leader within the Australian side until her retirement. In an exclusive interaction with India Today, Haynes had no qualms in admitting



that the coaching role would be "challenging" for her but she is looking to make a "valuable contribution" off the field.

"This opportunity popped up to coach the side. I was really excited when Mithali contacted me and asked if I would be interested," Haynes, who recently enjoyed her time commentating on Australian matches, told India Today.

"So yeah, I think to be part of the inaugural edition of the WPL with such a high-quality franchise and potentially get together a really good squad as well is such an exciting opportunity and one I'm looking forward to, I suppose, challenging myself so hopefully making a valuable contribution off the field instead of on the field this time."