Securing back-to-back series wins in England has truly bolstered the Indian women’s team’s confidence as they prepare for the upcoming home World Cup. Yet, through all the excitement, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur firmly stated that the focus needs to shift dramatically now: “We must begin from ball one,” she emphasized, pointing out the importance of a fresh start as they gear up for this global showdown.
Recently, after facing a few hurdles in her performances, Harmanpreet made a resounding comeback during the third ODI against England. Her match-winning innings not only showcased her skill but also highlighted the mental reset and strategic tweaks she had embraced to find the “lost mojo” in her game. “In every match, I aim to give my best,” she shared, recounting her thoughts during the innings. “It was crucial today to stay grounded. I didn’t score for the first 10 balls but reminded myself, ‘Just keep your head in the game for the team.’ That shift in mindset truly made a difference for me.”
In that same match, the Indian captain marked a significant milestone by scoring her 4000th run in One-Day Internationals, becoming only the third Indian woman to achieve this. Candidly, she remarked, “It’s always a special moment to contribute to your country’s success. I look forward to adding more to that tally in the future.”
Harmanpreet also took a moment to commend young seamer Kranti Goud, who delivered an impressive performance with figures of 6 for 52, which helped restrict England to a score of 305. Remarkably, Kranti became the second-youngest Indian woman to secure a five-wicket haul in ODIs, a feat that didn’t go unnoticed by the captain. In a heartfelt gesture, Harmanpreet awarded her the Player of the Match accolade, showcasing her support for emerging talent.
“She’s been fantastic every time she steps onto the field,” Harmanpreet praised. “Even though we played with four spinners, we knew Kranti could give us crucial breakthroughs. She just has a knack for being there when we need her the most.”
When reflecting on the series decider, the captain articulated the nature of cricket: “Every game presents a different scenario, with unique pitches and atmospheres. At home, we’ll face different conditions, but consistency is key.”
She added, “Winning boosts our mindset and keeps us positive. But the reality is, you have to reset every time you step on the field. This series victory fuels our confidence, but we need to approach each match fresh, starting from scratch.”
When asked about her satisfaction with the tour and the areas that need improvement before the World Cup, Harmanpreet acknowledged the hard work of her team over the years. “Our girls have been grinding for so long, and it’s rewarding to see that hard work come to fruition. The positive mindset with which everyone is approaching the game is inspiring.”
Expanding on her team’s fitness strategy, she noted, “International cricket demands a high fitness level. Over the past few years, we’ve learned a lot, and now it’s about exceeding those standards and earning the respect women’s cricket rightfully deserves.”
Harmanpreet also addressed the rising standards of women’s cricket, stating, “It’s incredible to see the growth; every team is getting stronger and more skilled. The competition is fiercer than ever. It’s now about which team executes better on that particular day.”
Looking ahead, India’s challenge continues with a three-match ODI series at home against Australia, the reigning world champions, starting on September 14. This series will be pivotal in ramping up preparations as India co-hosts the Women’s World Cup alongside Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
In a landscape where women’s cricket is on the rise, the hope is that the journey is not just about reaching milestones but also about creating a legacy for future generations in the sport.
Image Source: Harmanpreet Kaur @ Instagram
