Harmanpreet ended India’s lengthy wait for an ICC title in women’s cricket with the ODI World Cup victory at home, and prior to that, she had already guided the Mumbai Indians to WPL titles.
“What she has accomplished for Indian cricket, Mumbai Indians, and franchise cricket is remarkable,” Jhulan, MI’s bowling coach and team mentor, told PTI on Wednesday.
“I don’t think anyone will come close to her record in the near future. Being the first World Cup-winning captain and securing two WPL titles, with hopefully more to come, I don’t see it happening.” She added, “The legacy she will leave is hard to encapsulate right now, as I genuinely believe she still has another 4-5 years of cricket ahead.”
Jhulan, widely regarded as India’s finest pacer, noted that the team’s decision to celebrate the World Cup win with former players like herself, Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Reema Malhotra was spontaneous.
“In that moment, we couldn’t exchange words; it was pure emotion. I must express my gratitude to Harman, Smriti (Mandhana), and the entire team for initiating it, as it was unplanned,” Jhulan explained.
“We were working on the broadcast and our producer suggested that while the team thanks the crowd, we could ask a question or two. However, the way those girls approached us to celebrate was unmatched; I don’t think Indian cricket or any sport has seen such a gesture before.” Harmanpreet is set to lead the defending champions MI in the fourth edition of the WPL, with a significant change being the appointment of Australia’s Lisa Keightley as head coach, succeeding England’s Charlotte Edwards.
Jhulan mentioned that Lisa not only continues the team’s philosophy but also promotes the idea of playing fearless cricket.
“That fearless mindset was initiated by Charlotte, and now with Lisa, it carries on,” she said.
Jhulan emphasized that retaining most players has made Mumbai Indians a formidable franchise.
“Looking at last year’s final, we managed to retain nine out of the eleven players,” she stated. “This was a major challenge, ensuring our core players remained intact. We support our players because they have excelled for our franchise and bring immense value.” “With talents like Haley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, and Amanjot Kaur, we have many exciting international cricketers who have consistently performed throughout the year,” Jhulan added.
Jhulan expressed confidence in MI spinner Saika Ishaque, who took 15 wickets during their maiden title win in 2023, despite some struggles.
“In her first season, she was exceptional and had a dream run, but afterward, she faced some fitness challenges,” Jhulan remarked when asked about Saika’s inability to build on her successful debut.
“Such things can happen. She had minor injuries here and there, and that’s a common occurrence. In her rookie year, opponents weren’t as familiar with her (bowling style), but in the subsequent season, they adapted better.”
Jhulan concurred with Australian players Meg Lanning and Ashleigh Gardner, who will lead UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, respectively, regarding the strong competition Indian domestic players pose to seasoned pros.
“This was inevitable. In the first season, they were unfamiliar with how to approach a WPL tournament. Many had never faced large crowds or experienced such glamour,” Jhulan explained.
“The level of fitness the international players maintained was something our domestic girls were not prepared for initially. However, over time, our girls have made significant progress, narrowing the gap between themselves and international players.”
