Harleen Deol is a talented Indian women’s cricketer who plays as a right handed batter and part time spin bowler. She represents Himachal Pradesh in domestic cricket and plays for Gujarat giants in the women’s premier league.
Early Life and Entry Into Cricket
Growing up in Chandigarh, Harleen started playing Cricket in the streets and local Gali matches, often with boys. She showed early promise and joined the age group cricket. At about age 13, she began representing Himachal Pradesh in junior tournaments, catching the eyes of coaches and selectors for her batting flair and fielding ability.
International Debut and Style of Play
Harleen made her WODI debut for India against England on 22 February 2019, followed by her WT20I debut on 4 March 2019. She is a primarily middle order batter but also bowls spin, which adds balance to the squad. Her fielding has often been praised, particularly for athleticism and alertness.
Memorable Moments and Achievements
One of her most viral moments was an acrobatic catch she took in July 2021 against England — diving near the boundary to prevent a six, then bringing the ball back in play and completing the catch. The catch was widely admired by fans, media, and former greats like Sachin Tendulkar. In domestic and franchise cricket, Harleen has shown consistent batting. In the inaugural WPL season (2023), playing for Gujarat Giants, she scored over 200 runs at a high strike rate of ~125.46. Her standout performance came in December 2024 when she scored her maiden WODI century (115 off 103) vs West Indies.
Strengths, Role and Current Standing
Harleen’s strengths include aggressive batting, especially against spin, nimble footwork, and excellent fielding skills. She adds value as a “batting all-rounder” — primarily with the bat, and with some useful spin bowling when required. Her averages reflect her growth: as of recent counts, she’s played around 19 ODIs, scoring over 550 runs including one century and multiple half-centuries. In T20Is, she has played upwards of 24 matches, with a highest score of 52.
Challenges and What Lies Ahead
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Injuries have sidelined her at times, and like many players, she faces competition for spots in India’s playing XI. Still, her recent performances and consistency are helping her make a stronger case. She is seen as a player with potential to play bigger roles in major tournaments ahead.
