WPL 2024: Harleen Deol ruled out of remainder of tournament due to injury

Gujarat Giants batter Harleen Deol's journey in the 2024 Women's Premier League (WPL) has come to an abrupt halt following an injury sustained in the early stages of the tournament. Deol, who incurred a knee injury during the Giants' third group-stage match against UP Warriorz at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has been sidelined for the remainder of the competition. 

Positioned at sweeper cover during the clash, she moved to her right to intercept a ball in the first over of Warriorz's innings, but unfortunately, she clutched her left knee in pain. Subsequently, the 25-year-old limped off the field and has not made a return to action since then. 

Despite her efforts, Deol faced challenges during her time in WPL 2024. In the season opener, batting at No. 3 for the Gujarat Giants, she scored just 8 runs. Moving up as an opener in the second game, she managed to score 22 runs. However, in the match against Warriorz, she returned to the No. 3 position, achieving just 18 runs.

Also read: WPL 2024, Match 14 Review: Dominant Mumbai down Warriorz in Delhi

Bharti Fulmali named as Harleen Deol's replacement

In Harleen Deol's absence, batter Bharti Fulmali has been enlisted to replace her in the Giants' squad. The 29-year-old Fulmali, has previously represented India in two T20Is in 2019 and plays for Vidarbha in domestic cricket. She also featured for the Trailblazers in the Women's T20 Challenge preceding the WPL.

Deol's absence exacerbated the injury woes for the Giants, marking the third player to miss a significant portion of the tournament. Before the tournament commenced, they lost uncapped fast bowler Kashvee Gautam, and Lauren Cheatle from Australia had to withdraw after a medical procedure. Additionally, their vice-captain Sneh Rana has been sidelined due to injury for the last two matches.

Also read: At 16, Shabnam Shakil becomes youngest to play WPL

In addition, the Giants, currently positioned at the bottom of the table, faced a challenging start to the tournament, losing their first four matches. However, they managed to secure their first victory against RCB in their last game, triumphing by 19 runs at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. Their next encounter is against the defending champions Mumbai Indians on March 9 at the same venue.