(UTV | INDIA) – Harmanpreet thanked those people who gave her confidence when she went through a rough patch.
February 7, 2018 – The day Harmanpreet Kaur compiled an aggressive fifty against South Africa in an ODI in Kimberley. At that time, very few would have envisaged that it was the start of a barren run in the 50-over format for one of the mainstays of the Indian batting unit.
Incidentally, in the next four years, Harmanpreet accumulated just one fifty-plus score in ODIs. Thankfully from India’s perspective, the experienced cricketer returned to form ahead of the 2022 World Cup with a fifty against New Zealand in the final ODI of the series followed by a ton in the warm-up game against South Africa.
On her part, Harmanpreet thanked those people who gave her confidence when she went through a rough patch. “Yes, definitely. There were ups and downs, the hundred I got (in the warm-up) has given me confidence. Even that innings against New Zealand was very crucial for me. Now it is very important for me to continue that,” Harmanpreet said.
“I have high expectations of myself because I know my importance for the team. Even I want to do well, sometimes things aren’t going to be in your favour”.
“But the last two innings which I played gave me a lot of confidence. When things aren’t in your favour, lots of people talk about it but the good part is those who are close to me have always given me confidence. I am really thankful for them because during that time it is important to get confidence. I am getting back into my rhythm and I just hope I can continue this rhythm,” she added.
Harmanpreet’s name is synonymous with her spellbinding innings of 171 in the 2017 World Cup semi-final game versus Australia in Derby. The 32-year-old said that 171 has set a standard for her. However, she added that more than numbers, her focus is on contributing towards the side’s success by playing according to the team’s needs.
“I know a lot of people talk more about my 171 knock. I think I set myself a standard with that knock, I know I can play that kind of cricket. Maybe that’s why my smaller crucial knocks of 30, 40, 50 – for whichever team are not getting enough importance. I don’t think I judge myself with numbers. For me, what is important is irrespective of how much ever I score it should be enough for my team, irrespective of whether it is 100 runs or 10 runs. Numbers don’t matter to me, what matters is whenever the team needs me, I should be there.”
Harmanpreet averages over 40 at the number 4 slot compared to under 27 at 5 in ODIs. Her iconic innings of 171 came at number 4, and she returned to form in the final ODI by batting at that slot. Harmanpreet, though, confirmed that she will bat at the number 5 position in the World Cup, with Mithali Raj set to take the number 4 slot.
“All these discussions keep happening, you rightly said I’m more comfortable at number 4 than 5. Sometimes, you have to play according to the team’s demands. But as of now I think I’m going to play at number 5. But in future we can do it according to the match situation and role, but right now I don’t think I’m going to play number 4, number 5 only will be my number.”