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In a massive blow to the Gujarat Giants franchise, their star player Harleen Deol has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. The setback comes after Harleen sustained a knee injury during the team’s third league game against UP Warriorz in Bengaluru.
Harleen Deol’s unfortunate injury
Harleen’s injury occurred while fielding, and she was immediately taken off the ground. Unfortunately, she hasn’t featured in any games since the incident, and the official announcement of her unavailability for the rest of the tournament has dealt a significant blow to the Giants. Her absence has raised concerns within the team, as they now face the challenge of coping without their star all-rounder.
Replacement announced
Despite the setback, there is a glimmer of hope for the Gujarat Giants as a report by Cricbuzz suggest a replacement has been roped in for Harleen. Vidarbha batter Bharti Fulmali, who was not initially part of the squad, was seen participating in training drills with the team, indicating her potential inclusion in the team. The addition of Fulmali could bring a fresh perspective and much-needed depth to the squad as they strive to regain momentum in the tournament.
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Vice-captain Sneh Rana’s health concerns
Harleen’s absence has also brought attention to the health status of the team’s vice-captain, Sneh Rana. Rana has missed the past two matches due to an undisclosed illness, raising concerns among fans and the team alike. However, there are reports that she is now on the path to recovery and might make a comeback in the next fixture for the Giants. Her return to action would undoubtedly provide a boost to the team, offering leadership on and off the field.
Upcoming challenge against Mumbai Indians
As the Gujarat Giants navigate these challenges, their focus shifts to the upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians scheduled for March 9. It is worth mentioning that Gujarat Giants have struggled to find their footing in the ongoing tournament, losing their first four matches before finally securing a win against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 6.
With the win against RCB, the Gujarat-based team will now aim to build on the positive momentum and secure another victory. The absence of Harleen will undoubtedly be felt, but the inclusion of Bharti and a potentially recovered Sneh Rana could bring a new dynamic to the team.
Also READ: Shabnim Ismail makes history with the fastest ball ever bowled in women’s cricket during DEL-W vs MUM-W clash
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
