Mohali’s Amanjot Kaur reflects on her comeback, partnership with Deepti Sharma

Mohali cricketer Amanjot Kaur made a stunning comeback after a knee injury—which she termed as a much needed ‘break’ before getting into the ICC Cricket World Cup rhythm—against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener.

She was involved in a 103-run crucial stand with Deepti Sharma—as the duo stabled the Indian innings before it crumbled down at 124/6. Amanjot posted a 56-ball 57, which turned out to be the first half-century of the tournament.

Post-game, Amanjot (57 off 56) shot down suggestions there were nerves when she came to the crease, clinging to her full belief in not only the process, but the talent she shared a wicket with.

“I knew Deepti was with me. I knew how to take full help from her and take the innings ahead,” said Amanjot, while interacting with the media. She further added, “I took six balls to settle down, but happy with my performance. I rarely get a chance to bat, I got the chance and I enjoyed it. I’m sure Deepti was also very happy to do batting,” she explained.

When asked about facing pressure after playing some dot balls, she laughed and said “Sher jabh do kadam piche leta hai, toh iska matlab ye nahi wo dar gaya (if a lion takes a step back, it doesn’t mean he’s afraid).”

“If I would have played slowly and got out then people would say I wasted so many balls and didn’t get any runs. That is how cricket is. At least that ball will not be spoiled for the next person. Because ultimately, you have to put up some score on the scoreboard to defend, which will also help the next batter,” she explained.

The witty cricketer also dodged a question about the Indian team’s take on customary handshake with Pakistan players, as the two teams are scheduled for a face-off in Colombo on October 5. “We’re going to take this game by game. Day one, we did well, we won and now we have to have eight more good days,” she added.