Gujarat Giants coach praises Harleen Deol's match-winning innings against DC
What's the story
Gujarat Giants' head coach, Michael Klinger, has lauded Harleen Deol's maturity after her stunning show against Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL).
Deol scored an unbeaten 70 runs off 49 balls, guiding the team to a five-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
The 2024-25 season has been a major breakthrough for the all-rounder, who made her international debut as a teenager in 2019.
"It was an extremely mature knock," Klinger stated in the post-game press conference.
Match recap
GG defeat DC, secure WPL Eliminator spot
Notably, Gujarat Giants secured a spot in the WPL 2025 Eliminator with a five-wicket win over table-toppers Delhi Capitals.
Despite Meg Lanning's brilliant 92 off 57 balls, DC's 177/5 wasn't enough.
GG chased 178/5 in 19.3 overs, led by Deol's unbeaten 70 off 49 balls and Beth Mooney's 44 off 35.
The duo forged an 84-run second-wicket stand.
Praise
Klinger commends Deol's adaptability and consistency
Klinger praised Deol's ability to adapt as a batter, saying, "It was an extremely mature knock."
"Batting with few of our players and building partnerships, first with Beth (Mooney), then Ash (Gardner), Dottin and also Kashvee at the end," he stated, highlighting how Deol built partnerships.
The coach also emphasized Deol's flexibility in playing different roles for the team.
"We have asked her to play a couple of different roles," Klinger added, expressing pride in her performance.
Role change
Deol's role transition in WPL season
In the ongoing WPL season, Deol started as a finisher but was moved back to the top order later with changes in the team.
She accepted the transition and has been instrumental in Gujarat Giants's three-match winning streak.
"If you are an Indian coach or selector, you now know that Harleen can do a role through the middle and up top as well. So that makes her an attractive player to have in the T20 squad," the coach further added.
Team balance
Gujarat Giants's improved performance this season
Gujarat Giants's improved performance this season can be attributed to the balance of their team.
Klinger noted that the domestic Indian bowlers have stepped up significantly, allowing international players like Deandra Dottin and Ashleigh Gardner to express themselves freely.
"If you look at it from a strategy side of things, what we have got now is eight extra quality overs from Kashvee and Priya," he stated, highlighting the importance of team balance.
Team development
Klinger attributes team's strong temperament to high-level exposure
Klinger credited the current team's strong temperament to exposure at a high level of cricket.
He shared that six players played for India A vs Australia A, while five made their India debut.
"That experience and exposure to high level cricket has held them in good stead leading to this tournament," Klinger explained, adding it has given them confidence to take on any opponent.
Numbers
Deol's overall and 2025 season WPL numbers
This season, the all-rounder has played seven games and has scored 200 runs at an average of 50.
Meanwhile, the 70* against DC is her highest score this season. She also boasts a strike rate of 120.48.
Overall, she has played 18 WPL games and has raced to 450 runs at 32.14. Her strike rate is 115.09, alongside two fifties.
Meanwhile, she has not bowled since the 2023 season, where she bagged one wicket in three innings.