At 36 years of age, Harmanpreet Kaur batting India out of trouble remains a crucial component for the upcoming 2025 ODI World Cup. While discussions often center around her captaincy, her evolution as a batter tells a remarkable story of adaptation, improvement, and clutch performances that make her indispensable to India’s World Cup hopes.
Career Statistics: Third-Highest ODI Run Scorer for India
Her statistics place her among India’s elite. As the third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket for India, she’s closing in on 4,000 runs at an average of 37. However, what might surprise many is her career strike rate of just 75 – a figure that tells only part of her story.
Recent form shows a different picture. In her last 10 innings, she’s scored 295 runs at an average of 32, but crucially, her strike rate has improved to 98. This progression from her career strike rate to recent performances highlights the evolution in her approach.
Number 4 Specialist: Middle-Order Anchor
Her performance at number 4 has been her forte for years. In 71 innings at this position, she’s scored close to 2,500 runs at an impressive average of 42. Five of her six ODI centuries have come batting at number 4, establishing her as one of the most reliable middle-order batters globally.
She ranks as the second-highest run-scorer at number 4 since her debut and third-highest overall in Women’s ODI cricket at this position; testament to her consistency and importance in this crucial role.
Under Pressure: The Ultimate Clutch Performer
Her performances in pressure situations define her value. Analysis of her 25 half-century-plus scores reveals that she’s walked into pressure situations 11 times out of 25, considering scenarios where teams were below the expected runs-per-wicket average (25 RPW).
Her most famous knock – the 171 against Australia – epitomizes clutch performance. On average, she’s entered at a score of 75 when wickets were falling & particularly at number 4 where she’s come in at 70 for 2. In ODI cricket’s 50-over format, such situations demand not just steadying the ship but building partnerships for substantial totals.
Technical Mastery: Distinctive High Bat Swing
Her technique centers around a distinctive high bat swing. After ball delivery, her bat rises above the shoulder, and she extends her arms fully during contact. Whether playing drives or lofted shots against spinners or fast bowlers, she maintains a downward swing in one fluid motion.
This technique compensates for power through timing and bat swing, making the ball travel further and faster than conventional shots. Her sweep repertoire against spinners – including conventional, slog, and reverse sweeps – makes her particularly effective in subcontinental conditions, crucial for the India-hosted World Cup.
Also read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi – India’s Youngest Gun In The Making
Career Evolution: Addressing Key Weaknesses
She faced two significant challenges that have been systematically addressed:
1) Getting Out After Getting Set – From debut until January 2020, she was dismissed 31 times in 82 innings between scores of 20-49, a 37% dismissal rate after getting set. Since 2020, this improved to 29.5% (13 dismissals in 44 innings), while her average jumped from 34.8 to 42.4.
2) Strike Rate Concerns – Until 2020, her strike rate was just 68 – concerning for a middle-order batter. Since January 2020, she’s improved to 87 (35% improvement), and at number 4 specifically, she now strikes at nearly 90!
You can also watch our video on Harmanpreet Kaur here:
Acceleration Mastery: Unmatched After Getting Set
Something to notice with Harman’s batting is that she is an absolute beast once she gets going. Unlike other batters who might only be able to push to a strike rate of say, 150 odd when their runs are flowing, Kaur takes it notches higher!
Her acceleration after getting set is extraordinary. In her 171 against Australia:
- 0-50 runs: Strike rate below 100
- 50-99 runs: Strike rate jumped to nearly 200
- 100-171 runs: Mind-boggling strike rate of 280
Her 143* against England showed similar progression, with strike rate increasing from 83 at the 40th over to 128 by the 50th over – a 50% improvement in the final phase!
WPL Impact on Modern Approach
The Women’s Premier League transformed her mindset. Her first-10-balls strike rate improved dramatically:
- 2023 WPL: 73 strike rate
- 2024 WPL: 93 strike rate
- 2025 WPL: 122 strike rate
This mindset change, facilitated by Mumbai Indians coaching staff, addressed her early-innings approach – crucial for T20 cricket but beneficial across formats.
Team Context: Strengthened Middle Order
Her role benefits from India’s strongest-ever middle order. Since 2020, India’s middle order maintained a run rate of 4.88, but post-December 2024 Australia series, this skyrocketed to 6.82 runs per over.
This collective improvement means her role has evolved from lone warrior to key contributor in a balanced unit. Multiple batters now average 30+ with 90+ strike rates, allowing her to express herself freely while maintaining her anchor role.
Why Harmanpreet Kaur Batting Remains Crucial for 2025 World Cup
The importance of Harmanpreet Kaur batting for India in the 2025 World Cup stems from:
- Experience: 126 ODI innings with pressure-situation expertise
- Home Conditions: Sweep mastery perfect for Indian pitches
- Improved Consistency: Reduced dismissals after getting set
- Strike Rate Evolution: 35% improvement since 2020
- Clutch Factor: Proven ability to deliver in crucial moments
Her upcoming England tour form will be crucial, as it carries over to the World Cup and builds personal confidence for the mega event.
Final Assessment: Harmanpreet Kaur Batting Legacy
Harmanpreet Kaur has transformed from a talented but inconsistent performer to a refined match-winner. Her statistical evolution since 2020, combined with technical improvements and enhanced team support, positions her as India’s most valuable middle-order asset.
For India’s 2025 World Cup ambitions, Harmanpreet Kaur batting at number 4 provides the perfect blend of experience, technique, and recent form improvements. Her ability to anchor innings while accelerating when set makes her irreplaceable in India’s quest for World Cup glory.
Pingback: Veda Krishnamurthy: Why India's Promising Talent Disappeared