Sri Lanka Tour Is A Great Opportunity For All Of Us To Build A Team - Harmanpreet Kaur

Newly-appointed India women’s team limited-overs captain Harmanpreet Kaur said they will start fresh in the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. The Indian team is set to commence a new era after the retirement of veteran player Mithali Raj.

On June 8, Mithali announced her retirement after playing the game for more than two decades. Harmanpreet, who was already the captain in the T20I format, was named the successor of the 39-year-old Raj.

We are going to play without our seniors and a great opportunity for all of us: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet’s first assignment will be in Sri Lanka, where the Indian team is slated to play three T20 Internationals and as many ODI matches before they play in the T20 cricket’s inaugural edition at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Indian squad won’t have the services of veteran pace bowler Jhulan Goswami for the Sri Lanka tour.

“We are working hard on our team, we have great combinations. And for us, it is a good tour to start, because first-time we are going to play without our seniors and a great opportunity for all of us to build a team,” Harmanpreet said at the virtual pre-departure press conference on Saturday. 

“For me, it is a great opportunity where you can build a good team because Sri Lanka, I don’t think it is going to be an easy tour for us,” she added. 

We should go and deliver whatever we are planning: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet mentioned how the team management will hand opportunities to young players and the focus will be on fielding and bowling. The 33-year-old also said the planning and its execution will be the most important for the team.

“In the fielding department also, we will give opportunities to young players who can bowl 10 overs and look for breakthroughs. We are trying to do little-little things, where we (have) worked in this (NCA) camp and we are having a vision, so we will look for that (in terms of implementation),” she said.

“If we talk about our bowling unit, this is the time they are getting responsibility and this tour will be an ideal platform for them to perform where they can take charge and bowl full quota. For us it is important whatever we are planning, we should go and deliver, that is what as a unit we are looking forward (to),” she added.

India will play the first T20I against Sri Lanka women’s team on June 23 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Also Read: BCCI Announces India Women’s Squad For Sri Lanka Tour, Harmanpreet Kaur To Lead, Smriti Mandhana Vice-captain