Mumbai Indians will kick-start the much-awaited five-team competition against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the skipper said that rubbing shoulders against the best of women’s cricketers in the world will do wonders to the confidence of young domestic players.
Harman pointed out that playing in WBBL and The Hundred helped her gain a lot of confidence and she expects that the WPL will help the India players in a similar way and will help unearth the hidden talents.
“The WPL is great platform to know overseas players, take something from their experience. The amount of experience and confidence I got playing in WBBL and The Hundred, I want the young Indian domestic players to get such,” the newly appointed MI women’s team skipper told media during a virtual interaction.
“It is a great opportunity for them to spent time with overseas players. The WPL will also personally provide me chance to have a look at some young talent from close quarters,” Harmanpreet added.
“I think this (WPL) is great platform for all Indian players. We have been missing this tournament for a long time. In Australia the WBBL, and The Hundred in England has produced so many hidden talent.
“After the WPL, we are definitely going to get some great talents,” she said.
Harmanpreet wants to take everyone together while leading MI to their maiden WPL title.
“For me, it is very important to be supporting each and every member and give chances to everyone. Give them equal responsibility and respect. For us it is a great platform to perform, keep enjoying and backing each other,” she said.
Asked if she would feel the pressure of donning the MI jersey while captaining the side, the right-handed batter replied: “Not at all, we are here to play cricket, keep doing things which we enjoy and express myself.”
“The moment I joined MI the atmosphere, was totally different, first time I am experiencing this … this is something we were waiting for a long time.”
Edwards expects “massive impact”
MI women’s team head coach Charlotte Edwards echoed similar sentiments, and said the WPL is going to have “massive impact” on Indian cricket.
“The Hundred is really special for women’s cricket. I only expect WPL is only going to be bigger. It is massive for India cricket, make the Indian team stronger for couple of years,” the former English cricketer said.
“It is going to carve out unbelievable talent. The tournament is going to make India a powerhouse of women’s cricket for the next few years.”
Head coach Edwards said they can’t wait to take the field on Saturday.
“We had a brilliant first week. We played a couple of warm up games, young Indian talent looks exciting. Internationals have come in the last few days and we cant just wait to get started,” she said.
“We have a very good coaching team. We had a good 10 days together. I feel really ready and the players are ready to go.
“We will focus more on team than individuals. They are very clear what their roles are going to be.”
(With inputs from PTI)
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