Christchurch : India’s ODI vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Wednesday revealed that she was “going into a shell” before the team’s psychologist Mugdha Bavare helped her get “clear ideas” and regain form in the run-up to the Women’s World Cup.
Mugdha is with the team in New Zealand, which will host the 50-over showpiece from Friday. Mugdha madam is travelling with us and has been of great help. She helped me a lot during the last four games we played against New Zealand (referring to the preceding series), where my performances were not good. I was going into a shell because the World Cup was ahead of us, Harmanpreet said at a virtual press conference.
After I spoke to her, I felt that I was actually looking forward to it (World Cup). I had things in my mind, but I was not aware of them because of a lot of pressure. After talking to her, I got the solutions. I got clear ideas, which really helped me in the last two-three games. I am sure that the team is benefitting from her presence because I can see that she is always talking to the players, explained Harmanpreet.
Mugdha is a former national-level swimmer who worked with India men’s and women’s wrestling teams, boxers and track & field athletes ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Harmanpreet had been struggling with the willow, but roared back to form just in time for the World Cup. She scored a total of 33 runs in the first three fixtures against New Zealand before being dropped for the fourth ODI.
The 32-year-old, however, smashed a match-winning 63 in the last fixture of the five-game series, following it up with a 104 in the World Cup warm-up contest against South Africa in Rangiora.
Yes, [I am] definitely [feeling confident about my batting]. There were a lot of ups and downs in my performances [recently], but the hundred has given me a lot of confidence. The innings against New Zealand was very crucial for me. I got the rhythm I needed and now, it is important for me to continue with the momentum, said Harmanpreet.
I have a lot of expectation from myself because I know my importance in the team. One wants to do well every time, but things are not always in your favour.