Harmanpreet enjoying problem of plenty for India as India captain sees expanding talent pool as a welcome challenge.
Harmanpreet embraces ‘happy headache’ with India’s depth on the rise.
Having multiple choices for specific roles is a “healthy headache” that India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is looking forward to after a long absence.
Consider the first position. For the forthcoming ODI series against England, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana are still the chosen openers with an average of 63 in 11 innings. Shafali Verma is still in the running, though, because of her recent success in the T20Is, domestic cricket, and the WPL.
Following India’s victory in the T20I series last week, head coach Amol Muzumdar affirmed this. Rawal could have to contend with the highly skilled Harleen Deol for the No. 3 position if Shafali makes a comeback.
“After a long time, we’re having a healthy headache of having to pick the best team,” Harmanpreet said ahead of the first ODI in Southampton. “Earlier, we didn’t have so many options. Credit to Shafali and Pratika for the kind of performances they’ve put in.
“Even Harleen, whenever she’s got the opportunity, she has shown she can also take the responsibility for the team. Clarity as a captain is something I give to all players so that when we go to the ground, we know our role and what kind of cricket we’re going to play.
“Everyone knows their role. A lot of clarity is there compared to previously. It’s very important as a player and team to get that. When you’re playing for the country, you want clarity of roles. All credit goes to the team and staff for giving that clarity to the players.”
There is depth in both the batting and spin departments. Several players, including Saika Ishaque, Shreyanka Patil, and Tanuja Kanwer, have had their breakthroughs as a result of the WPL’s spin-offs during the past two years. Left-arm spinner N Shree Charani, who won Player of the Series in the T20Is for taking a series-high 10 wickets, is the most recent to leave her imprint.
“She’s a key player for us,” Harmanpreet said of the 20-year-old Charani. “In the WPL, where she played two-three [two] matches [for Delhi Capitals], she was impressive. From there only, we all [team management and selectors] had a chat that she can be a very good option for us.
“We kept rotating players to see who fits in well, who could give most two the team. She has been outstanding for all of us. A player like her is very important. Along with her, even Radha [Yadav] has made a solid comeback. Hope their combination will keep helping the team like it is.”