Harleen Deol
Harleen Kaur Deol (born 21 June 1998) is an Indian women’s international cricketer who plays as a right-handed batter and occasional leg-spin bowler. Known for her aggressive stroke play and outstanding athletic fielding, she is regarded as one of the leading figures of India’s new-generation women cricketers and was part of India’s 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup–winning team.
Early Life and Background
Harleen Deol was born in Chandigarh and raised in northern India’s cricketing environment. She completed her schooling at Yadavindra Public School, Mohali, where her interest in sports developed early. She began playing competitive cricket as a teenager and represented Himachal Pradesh in domestic cricket from the 2013–14 season onwards.[1]
Her performances in age-group and senior domestic tournaments highlighted her as a technically sound batter with strong game awareness and fielding ability, eventually drawing the attention of national selectors.[2]
Domestic Career
Deol established herself as a key player for Himachal Pradesh in India’s domestic women’s circuit. Her consistency in one-day and T20 formats, along with her sharp fielding, made her one of the most reliable batters in the state setup.
She later became a regular feature in high-profile domestic competitions, further strengthening her credentials for international selection.[3]
International Career
Harleen Deol made her Women’s One Day International debut for India on 22 February 2019 against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. She became only the second woman cricketer from Chandigarh to represent India at the international level.[4]
She made her Women’s T20 International debut on 4 March 2019, also against England. In the same year, she featured in the Women’s T20 Challenge, forming a notable batting partnership with Smriti Mandhana.
In 2020, she was selected for India’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, gaining valuable experience on the global stage.
Fielding Recognition
In July 2021, Deol gained worldwide recognition for executing one of the most remarkable boundary-line catches in women’s cricket during a T20I match against England. The catch went viral globally and was widely praised for its athleticism and awareness, becoming one of the most iconic fielding moments in the women’s game.
Women’s Premier League
Harleen Deol was signed by Gujarat Giants in the inaugural Women’s Premier League in 2023. During the first season, she emerged as one of the team’s most consistent batters, scoring over 200 runs and finishing among the league’s leading run-scorers.
Her performances in the WPL reinforced her reputation as a dependable middle-order batter capable of handling pressure situations.
Maiden International Century
On 24 December 2024, Deol scored her maiden international century, making 115 runs off 103 balls against West Indies in a Women’s One Day International. The innings marked a major milestone in her career and established her as a long-term option in India’s ODI middle order.
2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup
Harleen Deol was a member of India’s squad that won the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. She contributed crucial runs in the group stage and knockout matches, along with her reliable fielding, playing an important supporting role in India’s historic title triumph.
Playing Style
Deol is known for her aggressive yet controlled batting approach, particularly effective in the middle order. Her strong footwork, ability to rotate strike, and willingness to attack spinners make her a valuable white-ball batter. She is also regarded as one of India’s best fielders, contributing significantly through catches and ground fielding.
Outlook
As of late 2025, Harleen Deol remains an integral part of India’s ODI and T20I squads. With increasing experience, a World Cup title, and a proven record in domestic and franchise cricket, she is considered a key figure in India’s future plans.
References
- ↑ https://arisetimes.in/biography/who-is-harleen-deol-the-rising-star-of-indian-womens-cricket-who-became-a-world-cup-champion/
- ↑ https://femalecricket.com/women-cricket-news/73763-harleen-deol-profile-career-records-stats-womens-odi-world-cup-2025.html
- ↑ https://crictoday.com/cricket/series/harleen-kaur-deol/
- ↑ https://femalecricket.com/women-cricket-news/69055-harleen-deol-turns-27-a-journey-of-passion-consistency-and-cricketing-excellence.html