Sanjay Manjrekar lauds Harmanpreet Kaur's explosive WPL performance
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded Harmanpreet Kaur's explosive innings in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 eliminator.
The Mumbai Indians captain smashed a brilliant 36 off 12 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes, before being run out on the final delivery of the innings.
This stunning performance helped MI post a daunting 213/4 against the Gujarat Giants at Brabourne Stadium.
"It was a great reminder of what sets her apart," Manjrekar said on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar.
Batting prowess
Manjrekar highlights Kaur's unique batting style
Manjrekar lauded Kaur's aggressive intent, noting that she wasted no time settling in and attacked from the very first ball.
Harmanpreet wasted no time in accelerating. From her second ball onward, she was playing the difficult shots, and what stood out was how she found the gaps with ease," Manjrekar said.
"Harman instinctively finds the gaps, making her one of the most dangerous hitters in the game today," he added.
Record
Kaur's record-breaking strike rate
Kaur set a new record for the highest strike rate by an Indian batter facing 10+ balls in a Women's T20 innings.
This feat further cemented her reputation as one of the game's most powerful hitters.
Her performance was instrumental in MI's 47-run victory over the Gujarat Giants and qualification for the final.
Coaching insights
MI batting coach praises Kaur's improvement
Mumbai Indians's batting coach, Devieka Palshikaar, also praised Kaur's performance this season.
She noted that they had a long discussion last year about needing one among Nat and Harman to be there throughout the inning.
Palshikaar highlighted Kaur's focused practice against spin and pace as an area of improvement that has made a significant difference in her playing style.
Team dynamics
MI's lineup adjustments and player contributions
MI has been tinkering with its lineup this season, with Yastika Bhatia failing to get runs at the top.
Amelia Kerr rose to the occasion and opened with Hayley Matthews.
Palshikaar stressed that experience matters and lauded Matthews for her all-round contributions in the last few games.
She also stressed the importance of domestic players Amanjot Kaur and S. Sajana, who have been instrumental in providing valuable cameos all season.
Numbers
Kaur's 2025 season and overall WPL stats
Kaur has featured in 26 WPL matches and has smashed 785 runs at an average of 39.25.
Additionally, she boasts a strike rate of 142.98 alongside her seven fifties in three seasons.
Her highest score is 95*, which she smashed against the Gujarat Giants.
This season, she has amassed 236 runs in nine matches at 29.50, striking at 156.29. The skipper has also hammered two fifties this season.