Harpreet included in Indian camp again

Speaking with Newsline from Bangalore,Harpreet said,“Over the last one year I have worked hard on my cricket and fitness. I knew that if needed to reach at the level of the Indian team,I had to put in extra effort to make an impression. It was a big chance when I made it to the Indian Board President’s XI. The last two seasons have been very good for me at the domestic level. Of course,when you are attending a national camp or playing alongside the top players,you need to be in top form. I will make sure I do not let the selectors down. I will work hard in the camp in order to get berth in the Indian team soon.”

Harpreet bowled well in the Board President’s XI match against England with economicalspell and got Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent leg before the wicket. Right after the camp,the BCCI-backed Challenger Trophy for women will take place. Then in November later this year,New Zealand will tour India. “If I make it to the Challenger’s side,I will try to perform well to make a mark for myself.”

Apart from Harpreet,Jalandhar’s Harmanpreet Kaur is also attending the camp. Harman is part of the present Indian team while Harpreet is knocking the Indian team’s door. A group of seven quick bowlers shortlisted from all zones including Indian guns,Jhulan Goswami and Amita Sharma are training in the camp and Harpreet is one of them.

Making a slot for herself in the Indian team will be a huge task for Harpreet as senior players like Goswami and Sharma already are the obvious choices in the fast bowling department.

Sharing her thoughts on her tough road to the Indian team,Harpreet says,“What prompts me to excel is the challenge I face from other players . I know it will not be easy for me to replace such senior and experienced players,but I will work extra hard on my performance and do the needful. There is always room for good bowlers. I have had tremendous exposure this year at the national level. I will improve on my shortcomings and do my best.”

Harpreet is the first woman cricketer from Chandigarh who has been employed with the Indian Railways. Before this,no other Chandigarh cricketer had made it to the Indian camp.