Born on 21 June 1998 in Chandigarh, India, Harleen Kaur Deol embarked on her cricket career with a right-handed batting style and right-arm leg break bowling technique.
She soon became a formidable force on the field. Her role as an attacking batter and occasional leg spinner for Himachal Pradesh highlighted her versatility.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Versatile Player: Harleen Deol is known for her right-handed batting and right-arm leg break bowling.
- Domestic Achievements: Has been a key player for Himachal Pradesh since the 2013/14 season and has played for teams like Trailblazers, Supernovas, and Gujarat Giants in the Women's T20 Challenge.
- International Debut: Made her WODI and WT20I debuts against England in early 2019.
- Trailblazer: Became the second female cricketer from Chandigarh to play for India, following Taniya Bhatia.
- World Stage: Selected for the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup squad, showcasing her essential role in the team.
- Acrobatic Fielding: Gained fame for an exceptional catch against England in 2021, earning praise from cricket legends and the Prime Minister of India.
- Prominent in Women's IPL: Excelled in the Indian Women's Premier League's first season with the Gujarat Giants, scoring over 200 runs.
Domestic Circuit: Harleen Deol’s Cricket Journey
Since the 2013/14 season, Harleen Deol has been a key player for Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating her prowess on the field.
In 2019, she ventured into the Women’s T20 Challenge, playing for the Trailblazers until 2020. By 2022, she had joined the Supernovas, further expanding her experience in domestic cricket.
Recently, in 2023, Harleen became a vital part of the Gujarat Giants, continuing to make her mark in the cricketing world.
A Debut to Remember
Harleen Deol made a memorable entry into international cricket. On 22 February 2019, she played her first Women’s One Day International (WODI) for India against England in Mumbai.
This match marked her as the second female cricketer from Chandigarh to represent India, following in the footsteps of Taniya Bhatia.
Harleen’s educational journey at Yadavindra Public School in Mohali laid a solid foundation for her cricketing career.
Not long after, on 4 March 2019, she debuted in a Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) against England.
Trailblazing Performances
Harleen continued to shine, making her Women’s T20 Challenge debut for the Trailblazers against the Supernovas on 6 May 2019.
She and Smriti Mandhana formed an unstoppable duo, racking up a 100-run partnership. Her talents didn’t go unnoticed.
In January 2020, she was selected for India’s squad at the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, showcasing her growing importance to the team.
A Catch That Captured Hearts
In July 2021, Harleen Deol took the internet by storm with an acrobatic catch during a Twenty20 series against England. Fielding at long-off, she leaped to intercept a lofted drive by Amy Jones.
Realizing she was about to cross the boundary rope, she ingeniously tossed the ball up, dived back in, and caught it mid-air.
This incredible feat won her accolades from cricket legends and even the Prime Minister of India.
Harleen Deol at the Commonwealth Games
July 2022 saw Harleen being named in the Indian team for the cricket tournament at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Her consistent performance and dedication to the sport underscored her as a key player for the national team.
Shining in the Indian Women’s Premier League
The inaugural season of the Indian Women’s Premier League in 2023 saw Harleen Deol being snapped up by the Gujarat Giants.
She ended the tournament as one of thirteen batters who scored over 200 runs. With a strike rate of 125.46, she nearly topped the scoring chart for her team, amassing a total of 202 runs.
December 2023 marked another milestone in Harleen’s career. She was chosen for India’s test squad for the only Test against England, cementing her status as a vital component of the team’s strategy moving forward.
Her journey from a young hopeful to a cricketing sensation exemplifies dedication, skill, and the heart of a champion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Harleen Deol make her debut in international cricket?
Harleen Deol made her Women’s One Day International (WODI) debut for India on 22 February 2019 against England in Mumbai. She debuted in a Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) shortly after, on 4 March 2019, also against England.
What was Harleen Deol's remarkable fielding moment that went viral?
In July 2021, during a T20 series against England, Harleen Deol executed an acrobatic catch at long-off to dismiss Amy Jones. Her ability to toss the ball up while avoiding the boundary rope and diving back in to complete the catch garnered widespread acclaim.
How did Harleen Deol perform in the inaugural Indian Women's Premier League?
In the inaugural season of the Indian Women’s Premier League in 2023, Harleen Deol played for the Gujarat Giants. She scored over 200 runs with a strike rate of 125.46, making her one of the top thirteen batters of the tournament.
