I feel fortunate to play for Lancashire Thunder: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur was supposed to be the first Indian to be played in the Super League last year. But her injury didn't allow her to play and this year she is playing for Lancashire Thunder. Though she joined her team after two weeks of the start of the League, that didn't matter a lot as she scored an unbeaten 34 off 21 with 3 fours and a six and led her team to win in her debut match.



In the third edition of Super League, she has hit 7 sixes in 6 matches so far and stands fourth in the table after Smriti Mandhana (21), Sophie Devine (16) and Lizelle Lee (10). As this edition of Super League is coming to an end, Harmanpreet Kaur shared her maiden Super League experience with Women's CricZone:



Kaur was expecting her debut in the league last year but unfortunately, that didn't happen and she feels "fortunate" to be playing this year. "I was all prepared for the league last year but due to my injury, I had to let it go. I was fortunate enough to be signed by Lancashire Thunder this year and was looking forward to playing in the league."



She joined her team two weeks later but her team-mates thoroughly welcomed her. "Although I reached about two weeks later and missed two matches, the team warmed up towards me instantly and I felt like home instantly."



She hit the winning runs in the debut match and it was a six. "It was definitely a proud moment for me and the responsibility that I was wielding on my shoulders at that time was enough to give me the confidence to convert those runs."



After the debut match, she failed to perform well for the next couple of matches. Her rough patch ended in the last match against Yorkshire Diamonds when she scored her maiden Super League half-century. She scored 74 off 44 with 4 fours and 6 sixes. "It felt like my own self is back into the groove, as I was running out of the form from the last couple of matches. So, it was necessary for me to win my own confidence and get back in the flow of making runs."



Although she felt bad for the hit which broke the window of the van, she thoroughly enjoyed that. "It was an unintentional hit (which I thoroughly enjoyed), but sorry for the loss that took place due to the hit."



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Kaur has played under the former Australia all-rounder Alex Blackwell in the Big Bash League, who eventually now is the coach of the Lancashire Thunder. They both share a good bonding both on and off the field. While talking about that, Kaur expressed, "Alex is a brilliant person by nature. She commits herself to the team and the players on individual levels. She and I share the rapport where I can rely on her at all times. She always listens and asks questions, clarifies the points and encourages us and always helps to see the bigger picture even on the rough days.



 



After hitting the winning six in the debut match for Thunder. ©Getty Images



 



This year is only getting better for her. From the all-round performance in the Asia Cup and becoming the 'Player of The Tournament' to classy performances in the Super League. While talking about whether she is expecting to lift the Trophy in the T20 World Cup later this year, she replied, " Yes, we are very much hopeful and confident to pull ourselves to the finals and bag the trophy. May the spirits be with us and continue to help us achieve the best possible."



But she is not happy for her recent couple of dismissals as they were all run-outs. "It's heartbreaking when you are prone to such repetitive conditions. It is stressful too but then in cricket, there are always good and bad days. Likewise, I wake up to each new day and look forward to a good game."



She expressed her views on the difference between playing for the country and playing the franchise cricket. "Playing in the franchise league is more like those fun games where you play under various new conditions. You got new team-mates and a completely different environment. Whereas in the national team, you play for the pride of your own country and the millions of expectations bring you the kind of pressure and confidence. I enjoy both conditions in its own way and wouldn't spot my liking or dislike for any."



One of the most celebrated players of India, Harmanpreet Kaur thinks this experience will help her in the upcoming series. "The league includes the players from all around the world who we are going to face in the international series. Playing with them has helped me to understand their game and temperament as a player."