Role clarity for players is key: MI skipper Harmanpreet

Mumbai Indians bowling coach Jhulan Goswami and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur at a media conference in BKC yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Mumbai Indians (MI) plan to keep things simple as they look to defend their title at the Women's Premier League (WPL) to be played in Bangalore and New Delhi from February 23 to March 17.

"Like we did last season, where we kept things clear and simple, we'll be using the same tactics this year as well. We'd like to have role clarity for our players so that they can go and perform. We did not put the pressure of winning on any player last season and hope to do the same this time as well," MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said on the sidelines of WPL's pre-season media conference at a city hotel on Friday.

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The hard-hitting skipper added that MI have a perfect mix of players to get the job done against any opposition. "We've got some new talent this year. We have all types of players, so we [are good to] play against any team, be it Delhi or Bangalore. We don't just have one specific type of spinner. We've got them all. As a captain, it's good to have a lot of bowling options.

"These T20 games go so fast, you get very little time to think, so the more options you have, the more opportunities you can give other bowlers. Even if we look at our batting, everyone can play every kind of ball and this is the reason we can call our team a balanced one. We are very confident with this team," said Harmanpreet. MI's bowling coach Jhulan Goswami believes it's all about "relaxing and enjoy your rhythm."

The former India pacer had special praise for South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail. "Shabnim is such a quality cricketer. She has done so well for South African cricket. She's a fighter, she wants to contribute in every match and we are lucky to have her with us. We were happy to get her at the auction. She will bring so much value to our team. Her experience will be good for our players," said Goswami.