Harmanpreet Kaur says she is enjoying cricket without the pressure of captaincy after producing a match-winning unbeaten 91 off 41 balls in India’s third women’s T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur.
Harmanpreet stepped down as India captain, with Smriti Mandhana taking over the leadership role. Her latest innings helped India complete a 3-0 series sweep with a 92-run victory.
Having gone eight innings without a half-century, Harmanpreet said her focus was now on enjoying batting and making the most of her opportunities.
“I don’t think there is any pressure anymore. I think now it’s all about enjoying myself on the field and I think that’s what I want to do,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation.
“I definitely enjoy myself in the middle and this is what I’m here for. I just want to enjoy my batting, and good that those runs came.”
Harmanpreet Explains How She Regained Her Batting Rhythm
Harmanpreet arrived at No. 4 in the eighth over and initially struggled to accelerate, hitting just one boundary from her first 12 deliveries. However, a drive past extra cover against Loryn Phiri helped her settle. She then attacked Kudzai Chigora, scoring 20 runs from an over that included two fours and two sixes.
Harmanpreet eventually finished unbeaten on 91, helping India post 216/7 before restricting Zimbabwe to 124/7.
Reflecting on the shot that gave her confidence, she said:
“I think the first [second] ball when I hit for a four, that time I realised it’s a good pitch and bat was coming nicely to the ball. I think I got a lot of confidence from that shot, and then I just thought let me just keep going and let’s see how it goes.”
The former captain also credited batting coach Himanshu for helping her develop confidence through training.
“I think bat swing is something you know which is my key, and I just want to keep repeating that in the nets, and I think again I just want to give credit to my batting coach Himanshu bhaiya who has been working really hard and understood the kind of batting I can do. Every time when we meet, when we spend time in the nets, he just wants me to keep feeling that same pressure in the nets so that when I am playing the match, I should not feel any extra pressure. I think his tactics and his thoughts work really well.”
Mandhana Pleased With India’s Batting Rotation
India captain Smriti Mandhana explained that the team deliberately adjusted its batting order to give more players time at the crease. Mandhana chose to bat first after winning the toss but did not come out to bat herself. Instead, Anushka Sharma opened alongside Shafali Verma.
The decision followed contrasting experiences in the first two matches. India’s top order struggled in the opener, while the middle order received few opportunities during the comfortable second-match victory.
“In the first match we could not get going again – top order as well – then in the second match the [middle order] did not get a opportunity to bat so it was it’s always good to have some game time and always good to have some runs behind your back,” Mandhana said.
The captain was also encouraged by India’s additional bowling options, particularly Niki Prasad and Shafali.
With the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2027 in Mumbai and Vadodara, Mandhana believes developing different bowling combinations will be important.
The six-team T20I tournament will take place in conditions where dew could influence matches.
“It [bowling options] is it is looking good for sure. We were all looking in a way where dew is playing its part again. We’re going to have the next three months going ahead there’s going to be a lot of dew till we approach the Champions Trophy so the kind of combination we need and the bowlers – the more the merrier. I’m really happy and pleased with the way Niki, Shafali, everyone chipped in”
Nandani Sharma Highlights India’s Focus on Improvement
Nandani Sharma played an important role in India’s final-match victory, taking 3/18 from four overs. Despite the convincing series result, the bowler stressed that the team remained focused on improving its performances.
“First of all, we all have a lot of confidence in these matches,” she said at the post-match press conference. “Whatever mistakes we make, we will learn from them and carry the lessons forward.”
Nandani explained that India’s approach would remain consistent regardless of the opposition.
“Our main motive is to play good cricket,” she said. “We have to give our best against any team in front of us.”
She also emphasised the importance of disciplined bowling ahead of future international assignments.
“We just want to play good cricket,” she said. “We want to bowl with a good line and length against any opponent, be it South Africa or Zimbabwe. If we play good cricket, we will get good results.”
Nandani Praises Crowd Support and Encourages Young Girls
Nandani appreciated the atmosphere in Raipur, where supporters contributed to an enjoyable series for the Indian team.
“It was a very good environment and we enjoyed it a lot,” she said. “The crowd was very supportive. We enjoyed it a lot and the result was in our favour.”
She also shared an encouraging message for young girls pursuing their ambitions.
“You shouldn’t give up in life,” said Nandani. “There comes a time when you feel like giving up. You should motivate yourself. You shouldn’t give up. Achieve whatever goal you have.”
India now focus on the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe, while Harmanpreet looks to build on her impressive return to form in her new role without the responsibilities of captaincy.
