Harmanpreet Kaur was in awe of left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who recently played a crucial role in India’s 3-2 win against England in the Women’s T20Is. In only her maiden T20I series, Charani won the Player of the Series award after he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps from five matches at an economy rate of 7.46.

Charani is also a part of the ODI series where India are set to begin their campaign on Wednesday, July 16 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Harmanpreet said that Charani caught her eyes in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she played only two games and picked up four wickets at an economy rate of 8.87.

“She’s a key player for us. In the WPL, where she played two-three [two] matches [for Delhi Capitals], she was impressive. From there only, we all [team management and selectors] had a chat that she can be a very good option for us,” Harmanpreet said before the ODI series opener.

Charani didn’t take time in hitting his straps in T20Is, finishing with figures of 3.5-0-12-4 on debut at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Although it was Smriti Mandhana who became the Player of the Match for her maiden T20I hundred, Charani garnered accolades for her brilliant bowling.

“We kept rotating players to see who fits in well, who could give most to the team. She has been outstanding for all of us. A player like her is very important. Along with her, even Radha [Yadav] has made a solid comeback. Hope their combination will keep helping the team like it is,” Harmanpreet added.

After winning the T20I series, India would be looking to get off to a flying start in the ODIs as a part of their preparations for the ODI World Cup, scheduled to start on September 30.

– Ends