Former India captain Harmanpreet Kaur could not hold back her emotions after ending her poor run with the bat in style against Zimbabwe. The 37-year-old smashed an unbeaten 91 off just 41 balls in the third and final T20I, ending a difficult phase in her career.

Harmanpreet had struggled to make an impact with the bat in her previous 10 matches and had not scored a half-century during that period. However, she looked in complete control against Zimbabwe, hitting 10 fours and five sixes to produce a memorable knock.

The innings meant a lot to the experienced batter, who had stepped down as India’s captain across formats earlier this month. After the match, she spoke about her hard work in the nets and how she wanted to enjoy her cricket again.

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Harmanpreet Kaur Breaks Down During Interview

Harmanpreet’s emotions came to the fore during a post-innings conversation with former India women’s team head coach WV Raman. The batter broke down in tears while speaking to the on-air commentators and eventually walked away, tossing the microphone aside.

Earlier, during the innings break, she had spoken about how much she enjoyed spending time at the crease.

“It feels great. Just wanted to enjoy myself, and great that I got some time in the middle and really enjoyed myself on the field,” Harmanpreet told the host broadcaster.

During her conversation with Raman, she also thanked him for his support and the advice he gave her when he joined the team.

“The moment we came, you stepped in and you said, ‘Now you do what you want to do,’ and that’s what I want to do, and really want to enjoy myself. Thanks for those words,” she said.

‘There Is No Pressure Anymore,’ Says Harmanpreet

Harmanpreet admitted that stepping down as captain had changed how she approached the game. With the responsibility of leading the team no longer on her shoulders, she wants to focus on enjoying her cricket and contributing with the bat.

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“I don’t think there is any pressure anymore. Now it’s all about going out there and enjoying myself on the field, and that’s exactly what I want to do,” she said.

Her innings against Zimbabwe was a timely reminder of her ability to dominate bowlers when she finds her rhythm. The veteran batter played some powerful shots down the ground and made the most of her time in the middle.

Five Hours Of Practice Every Day Helped Her Comeback

Harmanpreet credited her recent work in the nets for the improvement in her batting. She revealed that she spent considerable time working on her game after the Asian Games, with batting coach Himanshu helping her prepare for the series.

“After the Asian Games, I got some time in the nets. I really want to thank Himanshu bhaiya, who’s been working really hard on me, and today’s batting was all him,” she said.

In a video shared by the BCCI after the match, Harmanpreet explained how seriously she had prepared for the series, putting in long hours to get used to the playing conditions.

“Before this series, I spent a lot of time in the nets, did a lot of drills, I think for five hours everyday, so that I get used to these conditions. The practice sessions have helped me a lot,” she said.

She also stressed that fitness and regular practice would remain her priorities going forward.

“Now it’s all about working on my fitness and keep working hard in the nets. This entire year, we have played some really good cricket,” she added.

India And Zimbabwe Set For ODI Series

India and Zimbabwe will now turn their attention to the three-match ODI series, which begins on October 23.

For Harmanpreet, the unbeaten 91 could provide a much-needed confidence boost as she looks to build on her performance and carry the same form into the 50-over format.

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