As the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 approaches, Indian cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur exudes confidence and determination. Her words echo the team’s hunger for success, as they prepare to defend their title in the T20 format.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s strategy ahaed of a big clash against Pakistan
India’s campaign begins with a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on July 19th. The atmosphere during an India-Pakistan encounter is electric, and Harmanpreet acknowledges the pressure. As a leader, she aims to keep her team focused, treating this match like any other—concentrating on the essentials and blocking out distractions.
“When you play against Pakistan, there is a different atmosphere in both the countries. Both countries want their team to win. As a player, there is a lot of pressure on us. But as a leader, it is my responsibility to make my team feel light in that environment so that they don’t think that we are playing against Pakistan or it’s a pressure game,” Harmanpreet told Star Sports.
🗣️ Hear to what #HarmanpreetKaur has to say about the feeling around the #GreatestRivalry and her role as a captain in such situation 👀
Don't miss #INDWvPAKW 👉🏻 FRIDAY, 19th JUL, 6:30 PM | Star Sports Network | #WomensAsiaCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/qN0CRR4IJ6
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 12, 2024
“It will be important for me to make everyone feel that this is also just another game. We have to do well for the team and make the team win. Other than thinking about what is going on in the stadium, who are the other people cheering for? Who are they talking about? Just focus on the main things. Don’t think about the things that we can’t control.”
The team’s approach is consistent: every match matters. Whether facing Pakistan or any other opponent, they prioritize preparation and performance. Harmanpreet’s leadership ensures that her players stay grounded and focused on their game plan.
“The kind of approach we have right now, every day whenever we are going to play the matches, we are giving equal importance to all matches. We all are very greedy to win every game, and that is something we feel should be in a team, and this is what everyone in the team is feeling,” Harmanpreet added.
The Asia Cup serves as a crucial tune-up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for October. Harmanpreet and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, aim to fine-tune the squad, ironing out any wrinkles before the global showdown.
India finds itself in Group A alongside Nepal, Pakistan, and the UAE. After the Pakistan clash, they face the UAE on July 21st and Nepal on July 23rd. Each match is an opportunity to sharpen their skills and build momentum.