Follow UsEarlier last year, Meg Lanning shocked the entire world by announcing her retirement from international cricket. But what that did, however, was free up Lanning’s mental bandwidth, with the 31-year-old skippering the Delhi Capitals side in the Women’s Premier League.
It has allowed the right-hander to come out and play without any sort of pressure, scoring 148 runs in just four innings this year, averaging 37. While she scored a half-century against UP Warriorz earlier in the campaign, her 55 against Gujarat Giants was by far her best knock in the campaign, where she played without too much pressure.
“I’m just enjoying playing cricket. Having a great time with Delhi, we have a good squad, and good staff. I feel like there’s less pressure and expectations, I just come into games wanting to contribute and help the team win,” Lanning said in the post-match press conference.
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“Nice to be able to do that throughout the tournament. There’s a little bit of improvement in my own game, I’m not completely satisfied. But it has been nice to contribute and have some fun and enjoy myself.”
Lanning hasn’t had to worry too much about her strike-rate given the likes of Shafali Verma and Alice Capsey, who bat around her with a stellar purpose. The former Australian skipper insisted that it is all about backing one’s strength and playing to it.
“All that we have really spoken about is playing to our strength. All our top six have their own set of strengths. As long as people are coming out and doing that, we are backing them. We want to play with freedom, especially with the conditions here. The wickets are pretty flat and the outfield is fast. We do that by playing our style, and hopefully we continue to do that,” she added.
While Delhi Capitals failed to win their opener against Mumbai Indians, the inclusion of Jess Jonassen in their setup has only strengthened their outfit. Not only does Jonassen offer long leavers towards the end of the batting innings, but her prowess with the ball towards the end of the innings has come as a deal-breaker.
“She’s (Jonassen) very experienced, she knows her game, and she knows how to perform under pressure. She’s done it over a number of years. She’s at a different stage in her international career, but here in Delhi, we are pleased to have someone who can be relied upon. For her to bounce back the way she has in the last two games and help us game, is incredible,” Lanning said of Jonassen.
Lanning also spoke of the environment in the Capitals’ dressing room, stating that it has allowed people to be more relaxed, and has allowed players to go out there and perform with a smile on their faces.
“I’m still extremely competitive; it is less pressure. I would like to switch off a bit more off the field and switch on in the field. I feel like a weight has been lifted, and I can enjoy myself and have fun. The environment in Delhi is fun, and it is way more relaxed, which makes my job easier. I just want to go out there and play with a smile on my face."