Harmanpreet Kaur credits psychologist for bringing her out of 'shell'

Tauranga: India vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Wednesday revealed that she was "going into a shell" during the series against New Zealand and it was team psychologist who helped the star player ahead of the forthcoming Women's Cricket World Cup.

Harmanpreet, who was enduring a lean phase, got the much-needed runs under her belt in the fifth ODI against New Zealand. She scored 63 in India's only successful match in the series. The right-hander carried that form and converted it into a century against South Africa in the first warm-up game. She, however, did not play the second practice match against West Indies due to "wrist soreness".

"Mugdha (Bavare) ma'am has helped me a lot. I was going into a shell during New Zealand matches, she spoke to me and felt like I was actually looking for the solutions she gave me. I knew subconsciously but chat with her gave clear ideas that helped me," said Harmanpreet at a virtual press conference.

"There were lots of things on my mind, I needed clear ideas and that I got from those conversations. Then results came. All that has helped. Will keep those in mind, will look to continue," she added.

Although India lost the one-off T20I and the five ODI series by 1-4, Harmanpreet believes, "Our team combination and rhythm we have found with the last three matches as a team, hope we continue". "There has been ups and downs in my performances. But 100 in warm-up match and knock against New Zealand (5th ODI) have given me confidence. The rhythm I wanted, I got it.

"I have expectations from myself. I know importance of my role in the team, every time I want to do well. Sometimes things don't work. People close to me gave me a lot of confidence, really thankful. Hope rhythm continues."

Surprisingly, India promoted all-rounder Deepti Sharma to number three spot in the line-up at which usually skipper Mithali Raj bats followed by Harmanpreet at number four.

When asked about her batting position in the World Cup, Harmanpreet said, "I'm more comfortable batting at no. 4 but whatever the demands of the team are, need to bat accordingly. I'm going to play at no. 5 only for now, but if needed we can take a call based on match situations".

India will begin their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on March 6. (UNI)