Harmanpreet Kaur Highlights Confidence Boost from Women's Premier League
Impact of Women's Premier League on Player Confidence
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 7: Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Mumbai Indians and India's World Cup-winning team, discussed the positive influence of the Women's Premier League (WPL) on players' confidence levels. She noted that the increase in match opportunities has significantly prepared players for high-stakes situations.
During a pre-season press conference for her franchise, Harmanpreet shared insights ahead of their opening match against the 2024 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), scheduled in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
Reflecting on her experiences, she mentioned that the previous scarcity of matches had a detrimental effect on players' self-assurance, as they were thrust into the intense environment of Team India with minimal experience.
“Playing more cricket naturally boosts your confidence. In the past, we lacked match exposure. When the girls entered the cricket scene, they were relatively inexperienced and suddenly found themselves in Team India. However, as we engage in various competitions, our confidence builds. The WPL has been transformative, allowing us to compete with and against skilled cricketers, enhancing our ability to handle pressure,” she explained.
Harmanpreet emphasized that the WPL presents a high level of competition featuring some of the most renowned names in international cricket.
“Performing well here means you’ll encounter the same players on the international stage. If you excel against them in the WPL, it leaves a lasting impression that a particular player has shone in this league. A successful season in the WPL can open many doors for you,” she added.
As the most successful captain in WPL history, having secured two titles, Harmanpreet has made her mark. In her 27 matches and 26 innings, she has amassed 851 runs at an impressive average of 40.52 and a strike rate of 143.5, including eight fifties and a top score of 95*.