NEW DELHI: The second edition of the Women's Premier League is set to kick off with an exciting clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and runners-up Delhi Capitals at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Friday.
While the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will aim to add another title to their decorated cabinet, Delhi Capitals, led by Meg Lanning, will try to forget the 2023 final heartbreak and start afresh.
Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 7 wickets in the title clash in the inaugural edition of the glittering tournament.
TimesofIndia.com caught up with Mumbai Indians batting coach
Devika Palshikar
and spoke about the team's title chances, preparations, captain
Harmanpreet Kaur
, and much more...
Excerpts:
How do you see Mumbai Indians women's title chances this year?
After the auction, we are very happy that whatever we wanted, we have gotten. So, with the same confidence, we will be going into the second season. I am confident we will repeat the success.
TOI Photo
On Harmanpreet Kaur's aggression and powerful batting...
For me, she is an excellent player and captain. She takes the team with her all the time. Immaterial of what her form is, but as a captain, she is always there, and she backs her players well. I cannot compare any player with Harmanpreet Kaur.
Can you tell any two key players who can turn the tables for MI this season?
For me, all 18 players are crucial. I cannot name just two of them. Females participating in any field are most welcome for us. I am sure they have a bright future if they start from junior cricket. I am sure they will reach the heights. It is very important. I am very happy that BCCI is helping female referees and umpires. If we open the doors for them, then more females will come in.
(Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
It’s very important and crucial in their journeys. If they get such facilities initially, their sole focus will be on their performances and not if they will get such opportunities in the future. The focus will shift to their own performances and that will help them build their careers.
As a batting coach, what would be your message to this team?
Especially the way we played last season, we are very happy with that. I want them to have the same focus, intent, and same hunger, that’s it.
Yastika has been phenomenal for India and MI as well. How would you describe her fearless approach for Mumbai Indians?
The way Yastika and Hayley Matthews give us the openings, that’s how we won the games last season. I am sure they will have the same focus and we will have the same openings from them. I am expecting that only from her.
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