“I became a fan of her after seeing her batting” – G Kamalini on Mumbai Indians skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur
Mumbai Indians (MI) started their Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign with a narrow loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their season opener. However, they are now looking to bounce back as they take on Gujarat Giants (GG) today at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.
Ahead of this match, one of the young stars of MI, Gunalan Kamalini, sat down for an exclusive chat with RevSportz. The attacking left-handed wicketkeeping batter, who comes from India’s U19 setup, has already shown her potential on big stages. She was a key player in India’s triumph in the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 143 runs in seven innings, at an average of 35.75 and a strike rate of 104.37, including two fifties.
MI recognised her talent early and roped her in for a hefty ₹1.6 crore. Known for spotting and nurturing emerging talents, the Mumbai Indians franchise has continued to invest in young players, and Kamalini’s inclusion further highlights their commitment to developing the next generation of stars.
In her candid conversation, Kamalini shared her experience with MI, the team’s dressing room atmosphere, her unforgettable World Cup victory, and much more.
Q: What has the feeling been like so far after joining the Mumbai Indians squad?
– It was very exciting when I got selected for Mumbai Indians because, at this young age, it is not easy to play for MI—in fact, not easy to play in the WPL. So, I was very happy and excited that Mumbai picked me.
Q: How did it feel to lift the U19 T20 World Cup trophy?
– It was my first World Cup, and we had been waiting for that moment for the last nine months. We were all eager for the chance to be part of that final, and we actually got it. It was an emotional moment—very hard to express in words. Initially, it was overwhelming, but later, it was full of joy and celebration. After four years of hard work, I got the chance to play in the U19 World Cup and became a champion. It is something I will cherish forever.
Q: In the first few matches, runs were not coming easily until those two back-to-back fifties, especially the fifty against England in the semi-final. So, were you under a bit of pressure because of the lack of runs?
– Yes, I was under a little bit of pressure and was a bit upset, but kudos to my parents and the support staff. With all their experience, they helped me. I played well in the first match against the West Indies but was a little nervous and impatient. Coaches like Nushin (Al Khadeer) ma’am were very supportive and told me to just enjoy the moment and express myself—nothing is impossible. I was so happy when I scored in that semi-final.
Q: Mumbai Indians is one of the top teams in the WPL, and even in franchise cricket overall. So, can you tell us about the dressing room atmosphere? With so many stars around—not just from India, like Harmanpreet Kaur, but also global stars like Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and others—what is it like?
– I am the youngest player in the dressing room, so I am learning a lot from all the senior players who have played for India and other countries. It is very sweet of them—the way they have talked to me. Every day, I am learning and enjoying my time here.
Q: When Mumbai picked you in the auction, what was your reaction, and how did your parents and loved ones feel?
– At that time, I was in the Asia Cup, and the auction didn’t come up on my phone because I didn’t have a local SIM. So, I was watching in my friend’s room when my name came up. Both MI and DC were bidding for me. My friends were more excited than I was. My parents were obviously emotional—they were crying, and my close ones called me to wish me. I received so many messages and calls. It was an amazing day, a special day for me. Getting selected for the WPL excited me.
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Q: Is there any specific player you look up to?
– Actually, I hadn’t followed any women’s cricketer until our last game against DC. I saw Harman di’s (Harmanpreet Kaur) batting and became a fan of hers. The way she was playing those shots really inspired me. The way she was hitting them, it felt like every shot she played was going out of the ground. I really loved the way she batted.
Q: Have you received any wicket-keeping advice from Kiran More, the former Indian men’s wicketkeeper, since he is with the team?
– No, as of now, I have not worked that much with him. But I am looking forward to working with him, and if I have any doubts, he will be there to give me clarity.
Q: In the last game, Niki, your U19 skipper and teammate, played an excellent knock. How happy were you? Did you guys have a chat before or after the game?
– Yes, but not before the game. We had a chat after the game. She played really well and it was a very sensible knock from her. After the match, she came over and spoke with me and one of my friends. She was really happy to win the Player of the Match award on her WPL debut. We have all been together for seven months, so we were all very happy for her.
Also Read: RCB Decimate DC by 8 wickets for second straight win in WPL
The post “I became a fan of her after seeing her batting” – G Kamalini on Mumbai Indians skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.
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