WPL 2025: Aakash Chopra Highlights Harmanpreet Kaur's Crucial Role in MI's Quest for First-Season Glory
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Synopsis
Aakash Chopra emphasizes the importance of Harmanpreet Kaur's leadership for the Mumbai Indians as they aim to reclaim their initial season success in WPL 2025, starting February 14. Chopra discusses MI's training and potential key players ahead of their opening match.
Key Takeaways
- Aakash Chopra insists on Harmanpreet's critical role.
- MI focuses on reclaiming their first-season glory.
- Team training is ongoing in Navi Mumbai.
- Pooja Vastrakar’s fitness could enhance MI's lineup.
- Amelia Kerr and Saika Ishaque are key players in the spin department.
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra asserts that Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership will be crucial for the Mumbai Indians (MI) to recover their initial season splendor in the forthcoming WPL 2025, commencing on February 14.
MI clinched the title of the inaugural WPL champions in 2023 but faced elimination the following year after a defeat to the eventual champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As they gear up for their opening WPL 2025 match against the Delhi Capitals on February 15 in Vadodara, MI has been diligently training at a facility in Navi Mumbai, with local players starting off and their international counterparts joining gradually.
Harmanpreet is set to return after being rested from ODIs against Iceland in January, particularly after missing two T20Is against the West Indies in Navi Mumbai due to injury issues.
“Their batting order is robust and remains nearly unchanged from the first two seasons, featuring several game-changers. From the Indian lineup, they have Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia. Among their international signings, they possess three of the top all-rounders globally,” he remarked.
“I believe Harmanpreet Kaur's role is vital—she’s an excellent captain, and her form has been impressive in the initial two seasons. During the first season, she played a pivotal role in their success. For MI to retrieve the glory of their first season, the significance of Harmanpreet’s role is paramount,” Chopra stated on Disney+ Hotstar on Monday.
While MI boasts world-class talents like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Shabnim Ismail, Chopra believes that if all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar is fit, she could enhance the team’s strength. Pooja has been sidelined since last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup due to injury.
“With stars like Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the team will lean heavily on them. However, they also have Pooja Vastrakar, and if she regains her form, she can be a tremendous asset, being an exceptional all-rounder.”
MI also features the recent ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, Amelia Kerr, who Chopra believes will spearhead the spin-bowling unit, while he anticipates a strong comeback from left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque in the upcoming season.
“We should view Amelia Kerr’s four overs as a secure investment—she’s highly accurate and a proven wicket-taker. Then there’s Saika Ishaque—her debut season was remarkable, although she slightly declined in the second season. Nevertheless, she is expected to bounce back strongly. MI’s spin department may not be the finest in the league, but it is undoubtedly capable.”
