Failures don’t stop us from playing attacking cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur | Cricket

When Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur made her debut in 2009, there was limited coverage of women’s cricket. The matches were too few and far between. Sponsors think twice before participating. Empty departments used to be the norm. Cut to 2023, India’s Under-19 team has won its first World Cup – India’s first in women’s cricket, the senior team will be paid the same match fees as the men and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to start in March. In the interview, Harmanpreet shares her thoughts on the development of women’s cricket, her expectations from the WPL and the change in the mindset of the Indian players, keeping in mind next month’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Excerpts:

You played positive cricket against Australia and in the tri-series. Is there a conscious effort to play attacking cricket from the ball game with next year’s World Cup in mind?

We have been trying to play this way (attacking cricket) for some time now. I’m really happy that now we can finally see the results. We regularly discuss in team meetings that we need to play aggressive cricket. It doesn’t matter how the pitch behaves, we have to stay positive in our approach. We need to support our talent. We want to set specific goals in the beat instead of just going with the flow. In the past, we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot with this strategy. We want to fix that. We have to keep our strike rate in mind.

But this approach can sometimes backfire, is the team management prepared for it?

Yes absolutely. We are ready to fail. It doesn’t stop us. When you try new things in the field, sometimes you don’t have immediate success. But day by day we want to improve. It can be the odd day when things don’t go according to our plans. We want to learn from it. Today, we have a long batting line-up, so that also gives us an extra cushion and motivates us to take extra chances.

How important a role has the support staff led by Hrishikesh Kanitkar played in this?

We worked with him (Kanitkar) earlier at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and on the Sri Lanka tour. The confidence he gives us is very important. Talking about skills and technique is not a priority (at this level), but giving confidence and supporting players is key. He totally gets it. We always wanted someone who is calm, he brings that to the dressing room. It is very easy to panic or lose focus (in difficult situations). He speaks very little, but whenever he does, we listen to him. Everyone on the team pays attention when he speaks because he spreads so much positivity. The way he talks and the words he uses stay with us.

Our bowling coach (Troy Cooley) is also very positive. They usually lead our training and background design. They keep the atmosphere light but serious. Everyone enjoys this thing. Sometimes when you do the same thing over and over it can be boring, but that keeps it interesting. We are lucky to have such a support staff.

Young players Devika, Anjali, Amanjot have grabbed the opportunity with both hands…

It is very important to give them confidence and let them express themselves. It is very gratifying to see who gets the opportunity, takes advantage of it. When you have the right attitude, most of the time you get results. Full credit to them. The way they show their hunger to succeed for the country makes my job as captain easy. All I can do is give them a plan. I can only guide them (the rest is up to them). The confidence and positive attitude they have brought to the team is great to see and it is giving them results.

How big a role does this South African tri-series play in preparing for the World Cup at the same venue?

Getting used to the conditions before a tournament like the World Cup always plays an important role. Thanks to BCCI for planning our trip in this way. We are playing against two teams (South Africa and West Indies) who are doing well on the world stage. This tri-series will help us gain momentum and give us an idea of ​​the right team mix for the World Cup.

Let’s talk about the Women’s IPL… How big is it going to be not just for the Indian cricketers but for women’s cricket in general?

We have seen in men’s cricket how they improved after the IPL. The emergence of talent that we have seen in men’s cricket can be seen in women’s cricket (after WIPL). It becomes very famous worldwide not only in India. With the tournament, we will see a lot of young talent.

What is the biggest difference WPL can make?

The gap between domestic and international cricket can be narrowed. It is very difficult for a young player to come into the team straight away (from domestic cricket) and face hurdles in international cricket. Sometimes it’s hard for them to perform on the big stage, but after the WPL, those things will hopefully change. The players are starting to feel ready for international cricket.

We have seen the impact of the WBBL and The Hundred on the Australian and England women’s teams. Can WPL do the same for India?

If you immediately try new things at the international level, the success rate is lower. But when we get quality matches in the WPL, face international cricketers and share a dressing room, it’s different. We don’t feel any extra pressure when we face those cricketers in crunch situations in international cricket. For now, we are playing less quality matches, so it will be difficult to close the gap with the top teams, but now we are gaining more experience. We can reduce mistakes made in pressure situations by playing more matches. When you win games for your team in the IPL, you can be sure that you can repeat the same at the international level.

Is the financial side an added advantage?

Players always need this security. We have seen the lives of male domestic cricketers change after the IPL. You have something to spare. You get sponsors, and brands like Puma come to support you. We only see male cricketers getting the support of bigger brands but now things may be different. When you have that extra financial support, you strive to do more, you are not afraid to choose sports as a career.

Puma is known as a brand that supports athletes around the world. What is your role as the new brand ambassador?

That’s a big deal for me. I never thought that one day I would be associated with Puma. It always motivates you when you get support from such a big brand. The partnership between me and Puma is getting stronger every day. I’m sure this will motivate many young girls.

Your thoughts on the changing landscape of women’s cricket…

Looking back, it gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I started, I didn’t really have anything to look forward to. But the amount of support we have received from fans, BCCI and big brands has changed our lives. I can only be grateful to the people who have supported me throughout my career and stood by me through thick and thin.