Fresh off leading India to their **maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title**, captain Harmanpreet Kaur has shared a personal revelation that’s sparked conversation across the cricketing world: her favourite cricketer is none other than MS Dhoni—not Virat Kohli.
During an engaging session with students, Harmanpreet not only opened up about her cricketing idols but also reflected on the growing stature of women’s cricket in India. Her choice surprised some fans, given Kohli’s immense popularity and aggressive leadership style. But for Harmanpreet, it’s Dhoni’s calm, composed captaincy and game-changing finishes that left a lasting impression.
Table of Contents
- Why Dhoni Over Kohli?
- Harmanpreet’s Cricketing Heroes
- The Rise of Women’s Cricket in India
- What This Revelation Means for Fans
- Conclusion
- Sources
Why Dhoni Over Kohli? Harmanpreet Kaur’s Favourite Cricketer Explained
When asked to pick between two modern legends—MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli—Harmanpreet didn’t hesitate. “It’s Dhoni,” she said confidently.
Her reasoning? Leadership under pressure. Dhoni’s ability to stay calm in high-stakes moments, particularly during India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and the iconic 2007 T20 World Cup win, deeply influenced her own approach to captaincy.
“The way he handled pressure, made decisions without panic—that’s something I’ve always admired,” she explained. This calm demeanor mirrors Harmanpreet’s own leadership during the Women’s World Cup, where her strategic patience and trust in young players proved pivotal.
More Than Just Dhoni: Harmanpreet’s Cricketing Inspirations
While Dhoni topped her list, Harmanpreet also expressed deep respect for another explosive Indian legend: Virender Sehwag.
“I loved watching Sehwag’s fearless batting. He played without fear, and that inspired me to back my own aggressive style,” she revealed. This dual admiration—Dhoni’s tactical mind and Sehwag’s fearless strokeplay—paints a fuller picture of Harmanpreet’s cricketing philosophy.
Interestingly, she didn’t dismiss Kohli’s legacy. She acknowledged his intensity, fitness standards, and run-scoring consistency. But when it comes to personal inspiration? “Dhoni’s the one,” she reiterated.
The Rise of Women’s Cricket—and Recognition That Matters
Harmanpreet’s comments come at a historic moment for Indian women’s cricket. The team’s recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory marked a watershed achievement—one that’s finally bringing long-overdue attention to the women’s game.
“We’ve worked so hard for years without much spotlight,” Harmanpreet shared. “Now, when kids ask me about my heroes, and I see young girls wearing our jerseys—it feels worth it.”
This growing recognition is part of a global shift. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), viewership for women’s cricket has surged by over 70% since 2020, with India leading much of that growth.
[INTERNAL_LINK:womens-cricket-rise-india] For more on how the women’s game is transforming in India, check out our deep dive into infrastructure, investment, and grassroots development.
What This Revelation Means for Fans and the Cricketing Community
Harmanpreet’s choice isn’t just personal—it’s symbolic. It reflects a generational shift in how leadership is perceived in Indian cricket.
- Dhoni’s legacy is no longer confined to men’s cricket; it’s inspiring a new wave of women leaders.
- Young female athletes now have relatable role models who cite the same icons as their male counterparts.
- The conversation around “greatest cricketers” is becoming more inclusive, blending stats, style, and emotional impact.
For fans entrenched in the “Dhoni vs Kohli” debate, Harmanpreet’s take adds a fresh, human perspective—one rooted in leadership, not just statistics.
Conclusion: A Captain Inspired by a Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur’s declaration that MS Dhoni is her favourite cricketer is more than a nostalgic nod—it’s a testament to how Dhoni’s legacy continues to shape Indian cricket across genders and generations. As she leads the Indian women’s team into a new era of success and visibility, her admiration for Dhoni’s calm authority offers insight into her own captaincy DNA.
Whether you’re Team Dhoni or Team Kohli, one thing is clear: Harmanpreet Kaur is building her own legacy—one that honors the past while blazing a trail for the future of women’s cricket in India.