Harleen Deol is back — and this time, it’s more than just a return. It’s a statement.
On December 28, 2025, the Indian women’s cricket all-rounder made headlines after being named in India’s playing XI for the 4th T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram. She replaced Jemimah Rodrigues, who was ruled out due to mild fever and weakness. With India already leading the series 3–0, Deol’s inclusion added excitement and depth as Sri Lanka chose to bowl first after winning the toss.
A Comeback Built on Pain and Patience
Deol’s journey back hasn’t been easy. During the WPL 2024 season, she suffered a devastating ACL tear while fielding for Gujarat Giants, forcing her out of action for months. The injury ended her WPL campaign abruptly and threatened her momentum at the international level.
But setbacks didn’t stop her — they sharpened her.
By late 2024, Deol returned stronger, calmer, and more focused. She scored 70 runs in the ODI series against Australia and went on to smash her maiden ODI century against the West Indies. Cricket experts praised her mental toughness, noting how the injury break helped refine her technique and mindset.
Consistency Through 2025
Throughout 2025, Harleen Deol quietly became one of India’s most reliable performers in ODIs. She delivered crucial knocks against top teams:
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England (Indore): 24 runs
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Australia (Visakhapatnam): 38 runs
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Pakistan (Colombo): 46 runs
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Sri Lanka (Guwahati): 48 runs
She also impressed during the Women’s ODI World Cup, contributing half-centuries in warm-up matches alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
In the WPL, Deol’s numbers underline her value:
482 runs in 20 matches, strike rate 115.59, highest score 70* — all while representing Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025.
Why Harleen Deol Matters Now
Born on June 20, 1998, and representing Himachal Pradesh domestically, Deol was part of India’s 2025 Women’s Asia Cup–winning squad. Bought for ₹40 lakh in the inaugural WPL auction, she brings rare balance — aggressive batting, electric fielding, and useful bowling.
As India builds toward the 2025 ODI World Cup on home soil, Deol’s return eases pressure on stars like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Her latest T20I comeback isn’t just a selection call —
it’s proof that Harleen Deol is no longer a comeback story, but a cornerstone of India’s future.