[On her personal experience] It feels like a dream, I think not only for me but for everyone here, even for the crowd also. So many people were asking us, “When the WPL is going to come?” And today that day is here and I’m so happy and so proud that our team did so well. When you have such a long batting line-up, you just need to go there and express [yourself] and that’s what we have been talking [about] in the dressing room. I’m really happy that everybody took the responsibility and they did whatever we discussed.
Staying positive was the biggest key for us. And think we were a little lucky today, a lot of full tosses, but everything went in our favour. I think that’s what you need whenever you go and play. It’s a special moment for all of us, and I have been waiting for this moment for a long, long time, and today I can feel how one feels after winning [a trophy], and I think I should give credit to all the support staff and everyone. It was a great experience for me. Looking forward to the next year now.
We just talked about how positive we were in the dressing room and we just keep talking about how we needed to go about. The way we discussed whatever the planning we executed really well and that is the reason we are standing here today.
[On her partnership with Harmanpreet and Kerr] I was finding it quite tough and Harman was sweeping her way to a good total so she took the pressure off me, and Amelia did as well when she came in. I knew if I was there at the end, we would be able to get over the line. The last three or four overs, we came gave away too many boundaries than we would have liked to. That made the game interesting.
[On winning the title] It means everything. At the start of the competition, I didn’t really know what to expect and to come together with a very special group of girls at the Mumbai Indians, it is really special to be standing here.
[On her favourite wicket] I reckon wickets are wickets, but I gave Amelia [Kerr] a bit of tease about how I got her in New Zealand, and the fact that I was pretty happy with that – through the gate. But no, happy to get the win at the end of the day. Obviously, the wicket assisted me a little bit today when I was bowling. So glad we got over the line today and I was able to contribute to another team win.
[On playing in front of a packed stadium] You just get into the zone and you are so focused on what you need to do. In between the balls you hear the crowd, and while sitting on the sidelines, and you are like ‘wow, this is amazing’. Playing in front of those many people is incredible. But as soon as that ball is bowled, you have to focus and be in the zone.
[On head coach Charlotte Edwards] Charlotte, Lottie, she is an absolute legend. She is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with. She has got a wealth of knowledge and just sitting back and talking cricket with her, you learn so much. She has taken teams to finals and it hasn’t come off. So to do that for her today, the amount of effort she puts in is outstanding. It’s pretty emotional and pleasing to see her, a good person and a brilliant coach, get that reward.
We gave them yesterday off because they were tired. They don’t forget how to play cricket. It was important they rested. We had a team meeting yesterday where we looked at the Delhi team. And then today, we kept it very relaxed. When we are on, we are on. When are off, we had some enjoyable times together. I think you can probably say they played for one another. Harman has been outstanding as a captain, I am so pleased for her tonight. It’s been a wonderful experience.
[On Harmanpreet Kaur finally lifting a title] Many times she has gone through these situations and has not been able to cross that hurdle. But this time, the first day met, we said this time you have to cross that hurdle, and she was so determined, she was so focused. And you could see when she was batting, she was taking that responsibility, and making sure all the girls were in the right space.
We tried to have a lot of communication among ourselves, and at the same time, she was there to take the charge whenever needed. I think the way she handled this team from day one is amazing. And they came here straightaway after a tournament [T20 World Cup]. Not even once during a session she said she was tried. From the first day she said she wanted to be there all the time, take all the responsibility and make sure we finish at the top.