Chandigarh: “She bats like Virender Sehwag and is aggressive like Virat Kohli,” said Harmampreet Kaur’s sister Hemjit, summing up the family’s elation at the batswoman’s hurricane knock which enabled India reach the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup at Derby, Thursday.
Celebrations started at Harmanpreet’s home in Moga, the moment the last Aussie wicket fell. Even though it was late Thursday night, relatives, friends, well-wishers started dropping in and it has been continuing Friday morning also.
Neighbourhood youngsters have stopped dancing and probably won’t till the final starts. Harmanpreet’s immediate family members have been distributing sweets to all in the locality since Friday morning.
“Right from her childhood, she has been playing cricket with boys. Her hunger for runs never dies and this is reflected in her strike rate,” Hemjit informed.
“She is always positive. On field she always behaves like Virat (Kohli), very aggressive. However, off-field, she is quite calm and composed. Right from her early days Virender Sehwag has been her batting idol and she tries to bat like him. If the ball is there to be hit, she will hit it,” added Hemjit.
Harmanpreet’s innings Thursday even drew comparisons with Kapil Dev’s historic 175 against Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup campaign. “If Harman’s innings is being compared with the legendary Kapil Dev, then it is a great honour for her,” her sister pointed out.
For both Harmanpreet and her sister, their father – the 52-year-old Harmandar Singh – has been a role model.
“I also wanted to be a cricketer, but due to certain circumstances, which I don’t want to discuss now, I couldn’t fulfil my ambitions. Now I am living my dreams through Harman. I was her first coach and her feats have really made me a proud father. I think the entire nation is also proud of her feats,” Harmandar stated.
The cricketer’s mother Satwinder said her daughter has worked hard since childhood to achieve her goals.
“When girls of her age would be carefree, she would sweat it out practicing for hours together. Even at home, she used to continue her shadow practice. As a mom, I just can’t describe how happy I am,” said Satwinder.
Hemjit, who is an English teacher, said that their parents always supported and encouraged both the girls to achieve their goals in life.
“The mindset in the society towards girls is changing and more and more parents are fully backing their daughters to achieve their goals. The result is there for everyone to see – Harman,” Hemjit said.
Press Trust of India