Edwards reflects on WPL bond with Harmanpreet ahead of World Cup showdown

England head coach Charlotte Edwards has lauded India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of their Sunday’s marquee clash in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, highlighting the special bond they shared during their time at the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Edwards, who coached Harmanpreet-led Mumbai Indians to two WPL titles before taking over as England’s head coach, called her “an incredible player” who “really steps up in big games.”

Advertisement

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the Mumbai Indians, especially in working very closely with Harmanpreet Kaur. She’s fantastic to work with, very calm, which I think is really important in franchise cricket. She’s an incredible player, and in big matches, she really steps up. Now, of course, I’ll be on the other side and have to plan against her,” Edwards said.

He added that the World Cup promises to be a highly competitive event. “I still wish her and her team well, though. This World Cup is going to be a fantastic event for everyone, and probably the best World Cup we’ll see, because the competition is really high.”

“Harman has been a wonderful player to work alongside and watch her progress. She played some important roles for them this summer against us in England. She’s a fine talent, who has really flourished with Mumbai Indians and in the WPL,” Edwards added on JioStar.

Meanwhile, England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone reflected on her bond with India all-rounder Deepti Sharma, forged while playing together for UP Warriorz in the WPL, and her long-standing rivalry with Smriti Mandhana.

“Deepti is a great player. We’ve grown up together on the circuit, played against each other a lot, and now also played together at UP Warriorz. I’ve seen her grow as a player, as an all-rounder, and as a leader. Hopefully, she doesn’t take many wickets against us, but I expect her to have a great tournament,” Ecclestone said.

“Smriti and I have grown up playing against each other too. She knows my game and I know hers. Whoever comes out on top will be really happy, and there will definitely be big celebrations if I manage to get her wicket this time,” she added.