If a player can handle the pressure in WPL, they can handle it anywhere: Harmanpreet Kaur

With the ODI World Cup set to take place in India this year, the limelight will once again be on spinners. However, unlike last year, when the WPL was played just months before the T20 World Cup, this time the formats are disparate. Regardless of that, there is still a keen enthusiasm in young Indian players across teams who might acquire a spot in the national squad.

Speaking about this, Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian Captain, accentuated the importance of recognising talent based on performance at the highest level. "Yes, definitely, because I believe that if someone is doing well at this level then she has some quality in her. Yes, the format is totally different but if a player reaches this level [WPL] and can handle the pressure here, then you can handle pressure anywhere," she said.

The capacity to thrive under pressure is a crucial factor in a player’s journey to the international platform. While different formats present their own hurdles and barriers, the core need remains the same—delivering in high-stakes positions.

"We play all formats but the common thread is, can you handle the pressure at this level or not? So if we come across players who are able to handle themselves well at this level and make their team win, then why not? They should get a chance to do well for the country too," she added. With the third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on the way, Indian team and Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflects on the league's impact on women's cricket in India. The tournament has not only escalated the domestic circuit but also played a compelling role in linking the gap between domestic and international cricket.  

Harmanpreet highlights how the WPL has equipped a platform for domestic players to showcase their talent, leading to numerous earning international call-ups. The competition has heightened over the seasons, with players demanding higher auction prices, a testament and mark to their hard work and dedication. She expects this season to be highly passionate, with balanced teams promising exciting games of cricket.  

Also Read: 'We are trying to cover all those bases' - Delhi Capitals Women coach hopeful of successful WPL 2025

The Mumbai Indians skipper also talked about the tensions in high-stakes matches and how experience helps to fight such situations. Kaur also mentioned leadership and captaincy roles in WPL. 

Harmanpreet Kaur also spoke about including more teams in the Women's Premier League which will provide opportunities to domestic players. 

With the ODI World Cup in India later this year, she signifies the importance of scouting young players in the WPL. While the formats change, players who flourish under WPL pressure are likely to handle international cricket well. Identifying such players could bolster India’s World Cup squad.  

Harmanpreet also acknowledges the progression of T20 cricket and the need to adapt captaincy strategies. While India’s cricketing style differs from Australia's and England's, the WPL has helped fill the gap, ensuring domestic players are better trained for the international stage.  The financial cohesion provided by the WPL has also contributed to improved fitness, training, and performance in domestic cricket. Teams now secure higher scores, and players invest more in their growth and development. She sees this as a confident shift, raising the overall benchmark of Indian women’s cricket.