Former India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has opened up about the intensive daily practice regimen that helped her overcome a prolonged slump in form, turning a difficult period into a triumphant return with match-winning performances in recent international series.
Kaur’s recent struggles with the bat had become a significant talking point among cricket observers, but the 37-year-old responded emphatically during the series against Zimbabwe. She kickstarted her resurgence with a blistering, unbeaten 91 off just 41 balls in the final T20 International before seamlessly carrying that momentum into the 50-over format.
Reflecting on the hard work required to turn her fortunes around, Kaur explained that she addressed her batting woes by dramatically increasing her workload during practice sessions at home. Speaking in a video interview with teammate Deepti Sharma, Kaur detailed a demanding routine that involved stepping up to the crease multiple times a day.
“I have practised a lot at home. The more you bat, the more confident you get. I batted in the morning, afternoon and evening — three sessions,” Kaur said. She noted that her physical preparation and time spent honing her skills are vital components of her game, particularly at this stage of her career. “I am someone who requires a lot of training. Looking at my age, I like to spend a lot of time on my fitness. More than that, I batted a lot because I felt like batting was lacking a little. The time I spent at home is helping me.”
That dedication bore immediate fruit during the second One Day International on Sunday. India found themselves under early pressure after losing captain Smriti Mandhana and opener Shafali Verma in quick succession. Rather than folding under the mounting pressure, Kaur steadied the innings alongside opener Pratika Rawal.
The pair forged a crucial 124-run partnership to stabilise the visiting side. Kaur later elaborated on the mindset during that rebuilding phase, noting the importance of clear communication in the middle. “I was talking to Pratika about the wicket, how they are bowling. We were just thinking about how to build the innings. After two early wickets, the batting team is usually under pressure. But neither of us took pressure. We were backing each other’s strengths,” she recalled.
After Rawal departed for 61, Kaur continued to dominate the crease. She combined with fellow centurion Deepti Sharma for a massive 153-run stand. While Kaur powered her way to a brilliant 126, Sharma anchored the other end to finish with an unbeaten 106.
The commanding batting display propelled India to a formidable total, ultimately securing a dominant 121-run victory. The comprehensive win also gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, cementing a successful tour driven largely by the veteran’s renewed discipline and heavy practice volumes.
