Overview

Harmanpreet Kaur has gone from the streets of Moga, Punjab, to leading the women’s national cricket team. She has not only fulfilled her dream of playing for her country, but she has also been a trailblazer in many ways for Indian cricket. She follows the simple philosophy of “see ball, hit ball,” churning out match-winning performances while smiling broadly.

Career Brief

The hard-hitting right-handed batter started off her career as a medium-pace all-rounder. However, soon she switched her energies into developing her batting after a dismal season in 2009. Since then, there’s been no looking back. Harmanpreet Kaur has been a pathbreaker in so many ways for the young girls. She represents the new generation of cricketers, who have a central contract with the BCCI, brand endorsements, and ad campaigns unlike their peers.

• When did Harmanpreet Kaur make her debut?

Even before Harmanpreet Kaur could realize it, she was drafted into the 2009 World T20 squad. She made her ODI debut against archrivals Pakistan in Bowral in March 2009, and the T20I debut followed soon after in June, against England in Taunton.

• Idolising Virender Sehwag and breakthrough season 2016-17

Harmanpreet Kaur has made it clear that she is a huge Virender Sehwag fan ever since she stepped onto the cricket field. Her batting reminds fans of the havoc Sehwag used to inflict on opposing bowlers during his playing days. Harmanpreet Kaur’s best season came in 2016-17, when she scored runs on a consistent basis. Her standout inning came against Australia during the 2017 World Cup campaign in England. Harmanpreet Singh single-handedly clobbered Australian bowlers and scored an unbeaten 171 runs to hand India a famous win by 36 runs.

• Elevation to captaincy post Mithali Raj era

Harmanpreet Kaur was promoted to captain when legendary Indian women’s cricketer Mithali Raj was nearing the end of her career. She took over as T20I captain in November 2016, and when Mithali Raj retired in 2022, she became India’s ODI captain as well.

• First to BBL contract and signing with Surrey Stars

Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian woman cricketer to sign a deal in the Women’s Big Bash league in Australia. She signed for Sydney Thunder in 2016. As of 2023, she has played five seasons in the BBL, and is currently with Melbourne Renegades.

In June 2017, Harmanpreet also became the first Indian woman cricketer to sign with Surrey Stars in ECB’s Kia Super League.

• WPL 2023 – Who will Harmanpreet Kaur represent in WPL?

Indian women skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will represent Mumbai Indians in WPL 2023. Mumbai Indians bagged Harmanpreet Kaur for Rs 1.80 Crore at the WPL 2023 auction in Mumbai.

• First Indian cricketer to 150 T20Is

During the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian cricketer – male or female to represent India in 150 T20Is. Her record appearance came against Ireland.

The Journey

In a way, Harmanpreet Kaur was lucky to have played in an era when the Indian women’s cricket team was about to get noticed in comparison with men’s cricket. However, Harmanpreet managed to carve a niche for herself, thanks to her determination and willpower to make it to the highest level. With her fearless batting, attacking mindset, and match-winning prowess, Harmanpreet has managed to not just lead by example but also be able to contribute to a match-winning cause for the women in blue.

The Technique

Harmanpreet Kaur is a powerful bottom-handed batter who can grip the bat with authority and comfort. Harmanpreet, who has a high backlift, can generate tremendous power as a result of this. She enjoys advancing down the pitch to the spinners and hitting them out of the park. She prefers to stay on the backfoot and use the pull and hook effectively against pacers.

Technical Shortcoming

Harmanpreet Kaur’s shot selection has recently come under scrutiny. Just when she appears to be on her way to a big knock, a lapse in concentration or a bad shot brings her down. She also has a habit of not using her feet enough against pacers, which results in a large gap between the bat and the pad. In her career, she has a high percentage of LBWs and has clean bowled.

Player Net worth

As of January 2023, Harmanpreet Kaur’s net worth was Rs 5 crore. Her monthly income comes close to Rs 15 lakh, and her annual income is Rs 1.5 crore. She charges Rs 40–50 lakh as brand endorsement fees.

Harmanpreet Kaur is a centrally contracted player for the BCCI and comes under category A. The BCCI pays her a retainer fee of Rs 50 lakh. In addition to this, she takes home Rs 4 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, and Rs 2.5 lakh for every test, ODI, and T20I in which she represents the country.