Harleen Deol, the Gujarat Giants’ key player, has been formally ruled out of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the remainder of 2024. The loss comes after Harleen suffered a knee injury in the team’s third league encounter against UP Warriorz in Bengaluru.
Harleen’s injury occurred during fielding, and she was promptly removed from the field. Unfortunately, she has not appeared in any games since the incident, and the formal notification of her absence for the remainder of the tournament has delivered a big blow to the Giants. Her absence has caused alarm within the team, which now has the difficulty of functioning without their top all-rounder.
Replacement announced:
Despite the loss, there is still optimism for the Gujarat Giants, as Cricbuzz reports that a replacement has been found for Harleen. Bharti Fulmali, a Vidarbha batter who was not initially part of the squad, was observed partaking in team training drills, signalling her prospective inclusion. The acquisition of Fulmali might provide the squad with a new viewpoint and much-needed depth as they try to restore momentum in the competition.
Harleen’s absence has also drawn attention to the health of the team’s vice-captain, Sneh Rana. Rana has missed the last two matches owing to an unidentified sickness, sparking concerns among supporters and the club. However, there are speculations that she is on the mend and may return to the Giants’ lineup in the upcoming game. Her return to action would surely benefit the club, providing leadership on and off the pitch.
