Within the fast-paced world of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, 24 hours can really feel like a lifetime. On January 15, on the Dr. DY Patil Sports activities Academy in Navi Mumbai, Harleen Deol supplied a masterclass in resilience throughout Match 8 between UP Warriorz (UPW) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Only a day after being on the centre of a retired out controversy that sparked heated debates throughout social media, the 27-year-old all-rounder answered her critics—and maybe her personal group administration—with a scintillating unbeaten 64.
Harleen Deol opens up about WPL 2026 retired out controversy
The environment was tense as UP Warriorz walked out to chase 162 towards the defending champions. All eyes have been on Harleen, following the tactical resolution by head coach Abhishek Nayar to “retire her out” on 47 runs through the earlier recreation towards Delhi Capitals. The transfer, supposed to herald power-hitter Chloe Tryon, backfired because the group misplaced momentum. Nonetheless, through the post-match presentation after beating MI, Deol displayed outstanding maturity concerning the incident.
“It feels good, completely satisfied for the group for the primary win. Really, yesterday too I used to be batting properly,” Deol admitted with a peaceful smile in post-match presentation. Addressing the tactical substitution, she added, “As you noticed as we speak, how Chloe can change the situation. I simply took it that method. She’s somebody who can hit massive however that didn’t go our method yesterday. That’s how I have a look at it.”
Harleen emphasised that her preparation remained unchanged regardless of the noise. “Nothing totally different as we speak. I simply acquired a couple of boundary balls, typically it’s simply your day. Regular prep for me… no level to maintain stressing on that factor (retired out). First two video games didn’t go my method. I used to be overhitting earlier. This wasn’t the wicket to try this,” Harleen concluded.
Additionally READ: Fans celebrate after Harleen Deol scripts redemption as UP Warriorz overpower Mumbai Indians to register first win in WPL 2026
Deol’s unbeaten match-winning spectacle
Whereas the “retired out” saga dominated the headlines, Harleen’s efficiency on the sector was the actual story. Chasing a aggressive 161/5 set by Mumbai – fueled by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 65 – UP Warriorz wanted a gentle but aggressive anchor. Harleen stepped into that function completely, scoring 64 off simply 39 balls*.
Her innings was a clinic in timing over energy. She peppered the off-side boundary with surgical precision, discovering gaps that appeared non-existent to others. Her knock included 12 boundaries, lots of them flowing cowl drives and intelligent late cuts that left the MI bowlers looking for solutions.
She anchored an important 73-run partnership with Phoebe Litchfield (25) earlier than being joined by Chloe Tryon. In a poetic coincidence, the 2 gamers concerned in the day gone by’s substitution mixed for an unbeaten 44-run stand to seal the 7-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare.
Additionally READ: REVEALED: The team Smriti Mandhana will represent in The Hundred 2026
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
