Cricket can change fast and who would understand that better than Harleen Deol. In the span of just two days at the Women’s Premier League, the UP Warriorz batter went from being at the center of controversy to delivering one of the team’s most memorable victories in recent times.
The turbulence began on Wednesday during the Warriorz’s clash against Delhi Capitals. Harleen Deol was batting fluently on 47 from 36 balls when she was asked to retire out, a decision that shocked fans and sparked widespread criticism. The move drew sharp reactions on social media, with much of the blame falling on the team’s management and coach Abhishek Nayar, especially after the Warriorz went on to lose the match.
Less than 24 hours later, Harleen Deol returned with a point to prove. Against defending champions Mumbai Indians on Thursday, she produced a sparkling innings of 64 from just 39 deliveries, striking the ball cleanly and with confidence. Her knock, played at a strike rate of 164, guided the Warriorz to a convincing seven-wicket win, widely seen as one of their finest performances in a long time.
The turnaround did not go unnoticed. Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted she had been surprised by Harleen Deol’s early retirement in the previous game but praised the batter for responding with a positive mindset and hoped she would carry that confidence forward.
Harleen Deol herself chose not to dwell on the controversy. Instead, she spoke about focusing on her preparation and learning from her recent outings. She explained that the previous game, despite the disappointment, had actually boosted her confidence after a tough start to the season. She realised that she had been trying too hard to hit big shots and adjusted her approach, relying more on timing and shot selection, which suited the conditions far better.
Warriorz captain Meg Lanning also applauded Harleen Deol’s response to adversity. She revealed that a brief conversation after the Delhi game showed Harleen Deol had taken the setback in stride. Meg Lanning felt the innings against Mumbai was a clear reminder of Harleen Deol’s ability in the format and hoped it would give her the belief needed as the tournament enters its crucial phase.
In a league where scrutiny is constant, Harleen Deol let her bat do the talking, turning criticism into confidence in just one unforgettable night.
