Vadodara, Feb 3 (NationPress) New Zealand and Gujarat Giants all-rounder Sophie Devine asserts that a player's worth to a team extends beyond mere experience, emphasizing the critical role of clarity and consistency in their responsibilities for fostering confidence.

Devine indicated that this clarity has been pivotal in her performance throughout the current Women’s Premier League (WPL), as it has allowed her to grasp her role and make significant contributions to her team.

When asked about her perspective on her position in the team, Devine pointed out the benefit of being a versatile cricketer. “It varies from day to day. That’s the beauty of possessing diverse skills, as it gives you dual opportunities during a match. While this tournament has been remarkable for us thus far, our work is far from complete,” the all-rounder shared with broadcasters ahead of the Eliminator match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants on Tuesday.

Reflecting on what has been one of her most stable seasons of late, Devine stated that she doesn’t have a specific favorite role but cherishes the consistency she has experienced this season.

“I find it amusing to recall the beginnings of my career, where I started as a bowler, so it’s refreshing to return to my roots and fulfill a solid role. I believe I've mentioned before that regardless of a player’s experience, achieving consistency and clarity in one's role fosters confidence. This tournament exemplifies that principle for me, as I understand precisely where I fit in this team and can confidently own my role, striving to contribute meaningfully for the group. This is particularly significant this season, as I have shifted from the middle order to opening based on the team's composition,” she explained.

The former New Zealand captain also addressed the difficulties of frequently changing batting positions, noting how her experience has facilitated these transitions.

“It is challenging, and I believe if this were ten years ago, I might have found it much tougher. However, I have had the privilege of batting across positions 1-11, allowing for quick adjustments. My game strategy does not alter significantly. It mainly depends on the field setup, whether two or four fielders are out. Therefore, the change is minimal for me, which is a positive aspect, as I don't have to alter my approach drastically, with the opposition's bowling tactics being the primary factor,” she articulated.

Discussing the improved performance of the Gujarat Giants this season, particularly their capability to establish and successfully defend targets, Devine attributed this to the team's confidence and depth, stating, “I wish I knew the secret; I've been observing various statistics regarding teams and their strategies. We possess significant confidence, and regardless of our initial decision, we've seen greater success batting first. Our batting lineup has such depth that we trust that even if the top order falters, the lower order can still contribute essential runs. This confidence and freedom have greatly benefited our group, and we have adapted well to the conditions here in Baroda,” Devine concluded.