UP Warriorz Coach Praises Harleen Deol's Team Spirit After Victory
UP Warriorz Celebrate Victory Over Mumbai Indians
Following their recent triumph against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), UP Warriorz's head coach, Abhishek Nayar, commended Indian batter Harleen Deol for her selfless attitude and the team's positive culture. After a challenging start to the season, Harleen bounced back impressively, scoring an unbeaten 64 runs off 39 balls, which included 12 boundaries, leading UPW to chase down a target of 162 runs in just 18.1 overs. This performance overshadowed MI's Nat Sciver Brunt, who scored 65 runs off 43 balls.
Coach Highlights Harleen's Development
In the post-match press conference, Coach Nayar emphasized Harleen's commitment to the team, stating, "For Harleen, it has always been about the team first and herself second. This belief is strong within our group. I encourage her to embrace both touch and power in her game, as my goal is to elevate Indian cricketers. She is now the second Indian player, after Harmanpreet, to score a fifty this season, which is exactly what we aimed for."
Maintaining a Positive Team Culture
Despite facing three consecutive losses prior to this win, UPW's team culture remained intact, with young players contributing to a lively atmosphere. Nayar remarked, "Our team culture remains unchanged whether we win or lose. We have faced challenges, but players like Kranti Gaud and Phoebe Litchfield keep the energy high in the dressing room. A positive environment is crucial, regardless of the outcomes."
The Role of Strong Leadership
Nayar also underscored the significance of leadership within the team, praising skipper Meg Lanning for her exceptional guidance. He noted, "T20 cricket thrives on strong leadership, and Meg has been remarkable. She is actively involved and meticulous in recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of our squad. As the tournament progresses, her influence becomes increasingly evident; she truly leads this team."
Harleen Deol Reflects on Her Performance
After her standout performance, Harleen expressed her joy and confidence, stating, "It feels amazing to secure our first win, and I’m thrilled for the team. I believed I was batting well in the previous match too, so my preparation didn’t change much. Sometimes, it just clicks on the day, and you find the right balls to hit. The pitch was challenging initially, but it improved later, and I focused on contributing to the team's success."