Author : Aashiya JAIN | EQMINT | SPORTS
T20I
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has never been one to shy away from honest self-reflection, and after the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka, she once again chose accountability over excuses. Even on a night when India found plenty to celebrate, Harmanpreet admitted she was concerned about her team’s slow over-rate and acknowledged that the responsibility ultimately rested with her.
Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet revealed that the ticking clock was on her mind while she was marshalling her side in the field. “We were getting short in time and I wanted everyone be on time. I didn’t want three fielders outside the in-field,” she said, explaining the moment that led to some confusion and scrutiny. For the Indian skipper, it was not about defending a decision but about learning from it. “I try to improve from my mistakes,” she added, underlining the mindset she expects not just from herself, but from the entire squad.
That approach calm, reflective, and forward looking has quietly become a hallmark of this Indian team. While over-rate issues can often overshadow performances, Harmanpreet ensured the focus remained on growth rather than dwelling on what went wrong. It was a reminder that leadership, especially at the international level, often means owning uncomfortable moments as much as celebrating the big wins.
On the batting front, India’s approach during the chase or building phases once again highlighted the clarity within the dressing room. Harmanpreet shed light on a key tactical decision involving Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh. “We thought we will give chance to Harleen (Deol), but (given) how it went (today), we sent (in) Richa early. Smriti and Shafali didn’t let Harleen bat,” she explained.
The statement reflected how fluid modern T20 strategies have become. Plans may be made in advance, but the match situation often demands quick recalibration. With Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma setting the tone early, there was little need to disrupt the rhythm. Richa’s promotion was not a demotion for Harleen, but a response to the game’s tempo a nuance Harmanpreet was keen to highlight.
One of the most heartening aspects of India’s recent performances has been the growing understanding between the players, particularly at the top of the order. Harmanpreet spoke warmly about batting alongside Shafali Verma, a partnership that blends experience with fearless youth. “To watch Shafali bat at the other end is always a treat to the eyes,” she said, her admiration evident. “She does the majority of the hitting in the powerplay. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.” Highlighting how important it is each team member to understand the batting style of every player and how we have to sometimes modify and mend to it.
Shafali’s evolution over the past year has not gone unnoticed within the camp. Once seen purely as a destructive batter, she now brings greater awareness and composure to her game. Harmanpreet acknowledged this growth, noting, “She has matured a lot.” That maturity, combined with natural flair, has added a new dimension to India’s batting unit.
Beyond individual performances, Harmanpreet also pointed to a deeper cultural shift within the team. “In the last one year, there is a different kind of team building, everyone is celebrating everyone’s success,” she said. It was a simple line, but one that spoke volumes. Success, in this Indian side, is no longer measured only by personal milestones but by shared moments a boundary applauded from the dugout, a bowler’s spell celebrated by the entire fielding unit.
Embracing the Spirit of Cricket in India
While India walked away with confidence, Sri Lanka, too, found reasons to hold their heads high. Captain Chamari Athapaththu chose to focus on the positives, particularly her team’s improved batting display. Sri Lanka posted an impressive 191 for 6 in their 20 overs, a total that reflected intent, better shot selection, and growing belief.
For Athapaththu, the performance was a step in the right direction, even if the result didn’t swing her team’s way. Competing strongly against a side like India is no small achievement, and Sri Lanka’s ability to put up a challenging total showed signs of progress in a format that demands constant evolution.
As the series unfolds, moments like these a captain owning up to one’s mistakes showing how at the end of the day everyone is learning everyday and opting to improve themselves as no one is perfect , young batters coming into their own, and opposing teams finding positives in defeat accepting how sometimes it’s no ones mistake how to maintain a true sportsman spirt etc that are what give the game its human texture. Harmanpreet Kaur’s words after the fourth T20I were not just about over-rates or batting orders; they were about responsibility, adaptability, and the quiet confidence of a team growing together.
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