Harmanpreet Kaur's return to form during India's 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe has drawn warm praise from former India cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy, who said the senior batter's emotional response after her innings was a natural expression of the passion she brings to the game. The knock, widely seen as a timely confidence-booster, comes with the Women's Champions Trophy firmly on the horizon.

Why the innings matters

Harmanpreet may no longer captain the Indian side, but her value in the batting line-up has never been in question. The Zimbabwe series offered her a stage to reassert herself, and the timing could not have been better. With India set to compete in home conditions during the Champions Trophy, selectors and teammates alike will be hoping this innings marks the start of a sustained purple patch.

'I think that's exactly what is expected of her. Even though she's not the captain now, she's still a key batter India would want to have in the line-up, especially with the upcoming Champions Trophy campaign in Indian conditions. Having the experience of someone like Harman is important, and it's important that she gets runs as well. So, it was good to see her back among the runs,' Veda told JioStar.

Veda on Harmanpreet's emotional display

Beyond the batting, it was Harmanpreet's visible emotion after the innings that caught Krishnamurthy's attention. The former India player offered a candid assessment of how Harmanpreet processes and expresses herself — on the field as much as off it.

'There's a lot of passion when you're playing cricket, and passion also brings emotion. Certain players have a tendency not to show it, but Harman is someone who's shown those emotions in the past as well, whether it is on the field or during interviews. She's someone who wears her heart on her sleeve, someone who probably expresses a lot more than other players. Sometimes you can't keep everything inside, and you feel good when you express yourself. Then you saw her on the field, smiling and laughing around. That's how Harman is,' Krishnamurthy added.

What this means for India's Champions Trophy campaign

The Champions Trophy represents one of the biggest assignments on India women's near-term calendar. Playing in familiar home conditions is an advantage, but it also raises expectations — and the pressure to perform will only intensify. Krishnamurthy's backing underscores the broader belief within Indian cricket circles that Harmanpreet's experience — accumulated across years of high-stakes cricket — is an asset the team cannot afford to leave underutilised.

Notably, the Zimbabwe series clean sweep also speaks to India's depth and momentum heading into the tournament. If Harmanpreet can carry this form into the Champions Trophy, India's middle order gains a significantly more dangerous dimension.

Harmanpreet's journey back to the spotlight

The former captain's form had come under scrutiny in the months preceding the Zimbabwe tour, making her performance there all the more significant. Senior players returning to form after lean spells is a pattern Indian cricket — men's and women's — has seen before, and such revivals often carry psychological weight beyond the scorecard. For Harmanpreet, the innings appeared to be as much about rediscovering her rhythm as about the runs themselves.

With the Champions Trophy approaching, India will be watching closely to see whether this marks a full revival.