![Harmanpreet Kaur on Kohli and MS Dhoni [Source: @thebackchodbro/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768486755815_HarmanpreetKauronKohliandMSDhoni.jpg?type=hq)
Harmanpreet Kaur on Kohli and MS Dhoni [Source: @thebackchodbro/X]
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her fierce attitude on the field, once revealed MS Dhoni as her inspiration in leadership. Harmanpreet Kaur, who is currently leading the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League 2026, has emerged as an example of strong and effective captaincy.
After guiding India Women to the Women’s World Cup title in 2025, she also led the Mumbai Indians to their second WPL crown in the same year by defeating the Delhi Capitals in the final.
How is Harmanpreet Kaur naturally on the field?
Harmanpreet Kaur’s on-field style has always been semi-aggressive, striking a balance between calmness and intensity. She is an emotionally charged, combative leader who prefers to lead from the front.
Known for switching into “beast mode” when the situation demands, Kaur often brings out her fiery character on the field.
A prime example came in the 2025 World Cup semi-final against Australia, where she played a decisive knock of 89 runs and shared a 167-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues to steer India through a record chase.
In contrast to her aggressive on-field persona, Harmanpreet has often described herself as an emotional individual who breaks down after both victories and defeats.
Teammates and juniors frequently describe her as protective and empathetic. Despite this softer side, it has never stopped her from taking bold and tactical risks, especially during the Women’s World Cup campaign.
Harmanpreet chose MS Dhoni over Virat Kohli in viral throwback video
A video of Harmanpreet Kaur from 2023 has recently gone viral on social media. In the clip, taken from an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, she spoke about her favourite cricketer, preferred captain, and leadership style.
When asked to choose between fiery Virat Kohli and calm MS Dhoni, Harmanpreet instantly picked the “cool and calm” Dhoni.
In the same interview, she chose the sweep shot over down-the-ground sixes and Punjabi music over Bollywood music. She also said she would rather get a tattoo than dye her hair pink.
When questioned about what angers her more on the field, no-balls or dropped catches, Harmanpreet admitted that both frustrate her equally.
Is Harmanpreet Kaur the exact opposite of MS Dhoni?
Despite naming MS Dhoni as her captaincy inspiration, Harmanpreet’s intensity has occasionally led to on-field controversies. She has faced criticism for showing visible frustration when decisions go against her.
During an ODI against Bangladesh in 2023, she was seen smashing the stumps with her bat after being given out LBW. At times, she has also publicly called out teammates, something Dhoni was never known to do during his career.
However, these moments do not take away from Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership record. She has built an impressive WPL career, winning the inaugural season in 2023.
Although Mumbai Indians finished second in the league stage that year and lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator, Harmanpreet bounced back strongly. She lifted the WPL trophy again in 2025 and is currently leading Mumbai Indians in the ongoing WPL 2026 season.
