During a six-minute press conference, Meg Lanning emphasized the importance of “having fun and enjoying cricket” three times. Since her retirement from international cricket in November, the former Australia captain, now leading Delhi Capitals at the WPL, expressed feeling relieved, stating that a “weight has been lifted.” Her remarks highlight a newfound freedom and joy in the game, indicating a shift in perspective and approach following her transition from the international arena to franchise cricket.
Life After Retirement:
Delhi Capital’s Captain Meg Lanning said, “There’s probably less pressure and expectation [now], but I am still extremely competitive”.”When I go out there, I want to win and contribute as much as I can, but I just try to switch off a bit more away from the field. And then when I need to switch on, I can.”
She further added, “ I feel like a weight, sort of, has been lifted in a way. I can enjoy myself. I still have the competitive edge when I need to. The environment at Delhi is great, it’s fun, it’s really relaxed. We back each other to go and play to our strengths. It makes my job easier. I just want to go out, have some fun, and have a smile on my face.”
Journey with Delhi Capitals:
Following a six-month hiatus post the 2023 WPL, Lanning, now 31, made a comeback to competitive cricket in September. Representing Victoria in Australia‘s National Cricket League, she showcased remarkable form, notching up six fifties in ten matches and accumulating 492 runs.
This stellar performance led her to emerge as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer. Carrying forward her momentum, Lanning has displayed consistent batting prowess in the ongoing WPL, amassing 148 runs in four matches with two half-centuries to her name.
Lanning said, “I am just enjoying playing cricket”. “I am having a great time with Delhi, we have got a really good squad of players and staff that make it a cool environment to be in. I feel like there’s a little bit less pressure and expectation. I just come into the game wanting to contribute and help the team win. So it’s been nice to be able to do that. I feel like there’s a little bit of improvement needed in how we are playing, I am not completely satisfied, but it’s been nice to contribute. As I said, I am just trying to have some fun and enjoy myself.”
She also said, “I actually haven’t had a lot of time to do that [explore new things] yet,” she said. “Obviously, [I have been] playing domestic back in Australia and then the WPL here. Once the tournament finishes, there will be a big chunk of time. It will probably hit me harder and you know, sort of come to terms with it a little bit more.
She further added, “[I am] sort of exploring a few different options in the background. The good thing for me is I don’t have to rush into anything. I can keep playing and keep being involved. When an opportunity pops up, I can take it. Will just see how the back end of the tournament pans out, and then I will see what happens after that.
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