Mid-innings interviews are usually straightforward affairs. The main performer talks about his/her performance, thanks a few people and moves on. Tuesday, though, was different.

Harmanpreet Kaur had powered India to 216/7 in the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur, scoring an unbeaten 91 off 41 balls, when she came for the mid-innings interview. She started the chat smiling. But as the conversation moved forward, she began to tear up. “It feels great. Just wanted to enjoy myself, and it was great that I got some time in the middle and really enjoyed myself on the field. Just wanted to enjoy myself, just wanted to bat as long as possible, and glad that I was able to do that,” she said.

“I think I should give credit to you also (speaking to WV Raman). The moment we came, you stepped in, and you said, ‘Now you do what you want to do,’ and that’s what I want to do, and I really want to enjoy myself. Thanks for those words. After the two games, I got some time in the nets.…