“I think this is a great platform for all Indian players because we have been missing this tournament for a long time,” Harmanpreet said of the WPL during a virtual press conference on Thursday. “Definitely for Australia and England, the WBBL and Hundred have done very well and after those tournaments they have a lot of young talent. After the WPL we’re going to have good talent as well and I’m sure the difference is what you’re talking about.” about [between India and Australia sides] we would love to reduce. When you see good talent emerge, you will definitely make a good team after the WPL.”
Chasing for 162 in the CWG final in Birmingham, Harmanpreet led India’s charge with a quick fifty and they needed 44 off 30 balls with seven wickets in hand. But India slipped when Harmanpreet and Pooja Vastrakar went out in back-to-back deliveries and failed to score 11 from the last over. In the World Cup semi-final last month, Harmanpreet again led India’s chase in counter-attacking form after they went 28 for 3 in search of 173. India needed to score a more comfortable 41 for 34 this time with six wickets in the hand, but Harmanpreet’s run-out came out when his bat jammed just before the crease while completing a second run and derailed India again.
Jemimah Rodrigues: World Cup loss still haunts us
“It hasn’t been easy after losing the semi-finals, some days were really tough for all of us,” he said. “It took us a while to get out of that, we still haven’t. The WPL is like a blessing in disguise because it will help us get involved and get busy preparing for this which will help.” Let’s stop thinking about the World Cup. But yes, those thoughts will continue to haunt us.”
Rodrigues also believes that the WPL will help uncover up-and-coming Indian players who will make a difference in the future. “We’ve been pushing the doors for a long time, we’re getting there, we’re getting very close. But I’m sure the WPL will change a lot for women’s cricket. You’ll find a lot of superstars coming out of it, a lot of leaders, or a lot of match winners I would say. “.
