Japleen Kaur - Penrith Cricket Club Penrith Women’s First Grade Cap Number 91

Penrith Cricket Club | August 09, 2026

What year were you born?

2010

Tell us about your cricket journey.

Cricket has always been a big part of my family. My dad and grandfather especially love the game, and we used to play in the backyard all the time as kids. That's where my love for cricket really grew. I officially started playing when I was 12 years old, with my junior cricket journey beginning at Ponds Cricket Club before moving to Hoxton Park and then coming to Penrith for my first season of Brewer Shield. Since then, I've been fortunate to represent the NSW Under 16 Pathway Program, the NSW Under 19 All Schools team, and the Fairfield-Liverpool Margaret Peden representative side. I joined Penrith Cricket Club in 2024. It's been a fantastic environment to keep developing my game, and I'm really proud to be part of the Penrith family.

How would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

I’m a batting all-rounder and a right-arm fast bowler. I love building an innings and putting pressure back on the bowlers, but I also enjoy contributing with the ball and in the field.

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I love that cricket is the ultimate team game, but at the same time, when you're batting, it's just one person against eleven others. That individual battle within a team sport is something I really love. I love hitting big and scoring big, and knowing that my performance with the bat can be the difference in winning a game for my team. Being out in the middle with that pressure is a privilege – to be the one the team is relying on in that moment. And on a personal level, batting grounds me; it’s taught me patience and composure that I carry with me in my daily life as well. Cricket also gives me the chance to spend time every week doing what I love most, around people who care about the game just as much as I do.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

Scoring 68 against St George Sutherland while chasing more than 160 is probably my favourite innings. We were 5 wickets down for around 60 runs on a difficult pitch against a quality bowling attack. It took a lot of focus and belief, and we ended up winning by four wickets.

Another standout moment was scoring 74 not out against Southern Districts Swans. Batting through a full 50 overs was a completely new experience for me at the time, especially since it was right at the start of my premier cricket journey in my first season in Brewer. Having to pace an innings over that length for the first time taught me a lot about patience and concentration, and it’s a moment that’s stuck with me since.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur and Virat Kohli have always been the players I look up to most. A few others I really enjoy watching are Phoebe Litchfield, Ash Gardner and Georgia Voll.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

Within the club, Isabella Bradley. Outside the club, Jorja Horan.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Within the club, Bethany Lane. Outside the club, Diksha Chowdhary.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand?

Annabel Batty’s unbeaten 115 for Penrith against Parramatta in a T20 match – it was an outstanding innings and showed incredible control and composure.

Who is the best wicketkeeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?

Annabel Batty and Ella Tilburg

Is there a player in your club who is one to watch?

Annabel Batty – she’s an outstanding cricketer with a bright future ahead of her.

Which two players in your club do you admire most?

I really admire Elise Noble for her supportiveness and leadership – she's someone who lifts the team up and leads by example. I also admire Teyana La Brooy for her composure and calmness in the field – she always stays level-headed under pressure, and we always have a good laugh together.

What two attributes do you like to see in a captain?

Leading by example and staying calm under pressure

Which singer or band would you most like to see perform live?

Diljit Dosanjh

Favourite holiday destination?

I always love going back to India — it’s special to me because of my heritage, my family, and of course the food. Somewhere I'd love to travel to in the future is Italy, mainly because I love eating good food.

Who has been the biggest influence on your cricket career?

My entire family has been a huge part of my cricket journey, but my grandfather has been such a big inspiration to me. His love for sport and just the amazing person he is has shaped so much of how I approach the game. My dad has also played the biggest role in getting me to where I am today; without him, I genuinely wouldn't be the person I am. He’s spent countless hours taking me to training, training me himself, and he’s always there to calm me down under pressure or give me that extra boost when I need it most.

My grandfather and my father have always encouraged me to work hard, stay disciplined and enjoy the game. My first coach, Vinay Chattree, taught me to play fearless cricket and has been an incredible supporter of girls’ cricket, always encouraging more girls to take up the game. 

Glenn Bradley and Paul Grosse, who coached me at Penrith Brewer and Second Grade, have also been a huge influence. They have always inspired me through both success and failure.

I also have to mention Nagle College, my school. The teachers there have always been there to help me whenever I’ve been away due to cricket commitments, and they've been so supportive and understanding throughout. I’d also like to mention AMGO Sports – they are an amazing brand that supports women’s cricket so much and have backed me with the best equipment to help me perform at my best.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I wouldn't be where I am without each of you.

Where do you find inspiration during challenging times?

During challenging times, I really lean on my mindset and the people around me. I’ve come to understand that every failure teaches me a lot. Meditation has also helped me quite a bit.

Who are three people you’d love to meet?

Virat Kohli, Diljit Dosanjh, and the cast of Friends

What do you like to do outside cricket?

I enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my younger brother. Going to the beach is probably my favourite thing to do — there's nothing better than that. I also enjoy a nice walk or run.

What do you do outside cricket?

I’m currently in Year 11 at Nagle College Blacktown.

Do you have a favourite quote?

Whatever you want to do, do it with full passion and work really hard towards it. Don’t look anywhere else.’ – Virat Kohli

What are your goals for next season?

My biggest goal is to help Penrith win a premiership. I love playing for this club because it has given me so many opportunities to develop as both a cricketer and a person. I also want to continue improving my batting and bowling, score many match-winning runs, contribute with the ball and keep pushing for higher representative honours.

What would it mean to you to play first-class cricket?

It would mean everything. My ultimate dream is to represent Australia, and I know first-class cricket is an important step towards achieving that goal. Wearing my state’s or country’s colours would be an honour, and I want to keep working hard every day to give myself the best chance of getting there.