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Harmanpreet Kaur: WPL Filled Key Gap, Boosted Women's Cricket Confidence

Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted the transformative impact of the Women's Premier League on player development. She stated that a previous lack of matches left players underprepared for the pressures of the Indian national team. The WPL provides crucial high-level competition against international stars, building confidence and match awareness. Kaur, the WPL's most successful captain with two titles, emphasized that strong WPL performances can pave the way for national team selection.

Key Points: Harmanpreet Kaur on How WPL Transformed Women's Cricket

  • WPL increased match exposure
  • Builds confidence for Team India
  • High-level competition platform
  • Success in WPL opens national doors
  • Harmanpreet is most decorated WPL captain
2 min read

"Earlier, we lacked only one thing...": MI skipper Harmanpreet on how WPL changed women's cricket

MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur explains how the Women's Premier League has boosted player confidence and preparation for international cricket.

"Earlier, only one thing lacked - our players did not have many matches to play. - Harmanpreet Kaur"

Mumbai, January 7

Mumbai Indians and India's World Cup-winning skipper Harmanpreet Kaur spoke on how the arrival of Women's Premier League has led to improvement in levels of players' confidence due to an increase in the number of games, which prepares them for the bigger stages.

Harmanpreet was speaking on the sidelines of her franchise's pre-season press conference ahead of the campaign opener against 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

Speaking to the media after the press conference, Harmanpreet recalled that the earlier lack of games had affected players' confidence, as they were thrown into the high-pressure environment of Team India with limited experience.

"Your confidence grows as you play more cricket. Earlier, only one thing lacked - our players did not have many matches to play. When girls entered the cricket world, they were new and had limited experience. And they were suddenly a part of Team India. But as you keep playing on different platforms, your confidence grows. WPL has brought those changes into our lives because we have played with and against good Cricketers. So we are growing more confident and becoming aware of how to play in pressure situations," she said.

Harmanpreet also said that the WPL offers a high level of competition against some of the biggest names in international cricket has offer.

"If you can play well here, you will meet the same players in international cricket. So, if you play well against them here, it remains etched in everyone's mind that a particular player did really well in WPL. So, you play well in WPL and have a good season, doors open for you," she added.

With the inaugural WPL title and last season under her belt, Harmanpreet is the most decorated captain in WPL history, with two titles. In 27 matches and 26 innings, she has scored 851 runs at an average of 40.52, with a strike rate of 143.5, with eight fifties and a best score of 95*. She is MI's top run-getter and overall fifth-highest run-getter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Absolutely spot on. Confidence comes from match practice, not just nets. Before WPL, our girls would play a handful of games and then straight into a World Cup. Now they are battle-hardened. Great for Indian cricket.
A
Aman W
While WPL is fantastic, I hope the focus remains on developing a strong domestic structure too. The league shouldn't be the only source of games. We need robust state-level tournaments for a wider talent pool.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan from abroad, it's amazing to see the WPL's impact. The quality of play has skyrocketed in just two seasons. Players like Shreyanka Patil are becoming household names overnight. Well done, BCCI!
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Karthik V
Harmanpreet is a legend! Leading from the front. Her stats speak for themselves. WPL has given young girls real heroes to look up to, not just the men's team. My daughter now wants a MI women's jersey, not CSK! 😄
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Nisha Z
The financial security is a huge part of it. Now families are more willing to let their daughters pursue cricket seriously. It's not just a passion project anymore, it's a viable career. This is social change.

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