WPL 2023: We were looking for this type of a win, says Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur after opener

Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur has said that the team were looking for a big win to open their campaign in the inaugural edition of the WPL 2023.

MI kickstarted the new competition in top fashion as they demolished Gujarat Giants by 143 runs to make a big statement and lay down the marker in WPL 2023.

Harmanpreet was the star of the show with the bat as the MI skipper hit 65 runs off 30 balls and her knock consisted of 14 boundaries. Speaking at the press conference, as quoted by the Mumbai Indians’ website, Harmanpreet said it was a great win for her side and said they were looking for such a victory. She hailed the approach from all the players.

“It is a great win for us. We were looking for this type of a win. The approach was brilliant from all the players. We should give credit to them. They were so positive and they were there to win the game for the team. When you have a character like that in the team, your job is easy. You just need to go out there and enjoy your cricket,” said Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet was asked about the contest being a one-sided affair and the MI captain said they didn’t go into the match with such a mindset.

The India star quickly praised her bowling unit for delivering the win and said while batting, they had decided on the areas to bowl and the bowlers adapted quickly.

“You never go into a match thinking it would be one-sided. You always think the team in front cannot be taken lightly. What our bowling department did is something that needs to be appreciated. The start was great. You just continue then with that rhythm. The bowlers were spot on. When we were batting, we decided which areas to bowl on, and they adapted to that quickly, which is why it looked like a one-sided game,” said Harmanpreet.

The Mumbai Indians skipper opened up about her special knock and said every innings is important to her. She said that the extra pressure of captaincy works for her as it brings out the best in her.

“Whether it is a long or short innings, it is important for me. When you contribute and your team wins, it doesn’t matter whether you make a 50+ score or 10-15 runs. Every innings is equally important. Captaincy is something I have been doing since I started playing cricket. I don’t feel any extra pressure. I feel I am more involved. Extra pressure on myself takes me into a zone and brings out the best in me.

When I got to know that I was to lead MI, I knew I had to take the responsibility, and bring the best out of each and every player as well. It also brings a good rhythm for the team. I always enjoy it and whenever I get such an opportunity, I just want to go there and enjoy,” said Harmanpreet.