English, Punjabi, Hindi, I sledge in all languages: Harmanpreet Kaur

Lady-power Harmanpreet Kaur became a household name after smashing a match-winning 171 against Australia in the Women’s World Cup earlier this year. India went down to England but received a lot of accolades for their scintillating performance through out the tournament. Each member has been awarded rewards after coming back home and fans were thrilled by the show.

During an event in Mumbai, Harmanpreet shared the importance of sledging and how well the Indian team made use of it. She believes that sledding is a part of the sport and it is very important to execute it to perfection. She mentioned that if it gives positive results then the team shouldn’t hold themselves back.

“If it gives positive result by which the team benefits it should be done. Our previous coach didn’t like it. But if the bowler benefits, we do it,” she said. The cricketer was referring to ex-coach Purnima Rau, who was axed close to the World Cup at the request of senior Indian players and replaced by former Baroda cricketer Tushar Arothe.

She also added, “The bowlers and wicket keepers have to keep focus so we let them be. Our (fielders) job is to help them out. And sledging is not about abusing, a lot of talk is to create a certain team environment and stay motivated,” she said. “English, Hindi, Punjabi, I do it in all languages,” she joked.

Captain Mithali Raj backed her colleague Harmanpreet’s point and stressed that the primary purpose to sledge was to have a mental edge against the opponent. “At the highest level, it’s about mind games. Sledging is not about language but to affect the opposing batter’s game,” she said.

The skipper also added that the tough oppositions don’t always fall prey to their words, and they remain unfazed. She also said that she doesn’t get sledged much nowadays and always gives a placid look whenever someone tries to fancy their chance.