Harleen Deol

Her cricket began in street games with boys, at a time when the women's game in India was still finding its feet. Some neighbours found this unusual, but her parents stood behind her, and her mother was especially firm in her support. Her bowling also took an unplanned turn. She started out as an off-spinner, then switched to leg-spin after being picked for the Punjab sub-junior team, which had nobody bowling wrist spin. Like many who bowl that style, she counts Shane Warne among her heroes.

With the bat, she is at her best against spin. Quick footwork lets her either hit hard or place the ball with finesse against the slower bowlers. Her own wrist spin is still developing, but she has enough ability to grow into a true all-rounder.

Steady performances in domestic cricket earned Harleen an international call-up, and in 2019 she made her debut in both white-ball formats. That same year she caught the eye in an exhibition match staged during IPL 2019, which brought together women cricketers from around the world. Away from the game she is known for her cheerful personality and her love of singing, with rap a particular favourite.