Smriti Mandhana Says Indian Women Cricketers See Themselves as Match-Winners

As India’s women’s cricket team prepares for the T20 World Cup, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana emphasized a newfound belief within the squad, with every player now viewing themselves as a potential match-winner. This shift, driven by enhanced focus on fitness and preparation, marks a significant evolution since the team’s last World Cup campaign. India, yet to win a women’s World Cup, will kick off their tournament against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30, aiming to break their title drought.

Mandhana, reflecting on the team’s transformation, credited rigorous effort behind the scenes. “Our belief has changed a lot, and it only changes with the work you put in,” the 29-year-old opener told JioStar. The sting of the previous T20 World Cup spurred her to prioritize fitness and nutrition, ensuring she never experiences such disappointment again. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has also acclimatized the team to high-pressure environments, with Mandhana excited about the prospect of packed stadiums cheering for India. She anticipates a vibrant atmosphere, a far cry from her early days when women’s cricket in India received less attention.

Recalling her journey, Mandhana shared the emotional milestone of receiving her first India jersey at 17, a moment she cherishes deeply. Growing up in Sangli, where few girls played cricket, she faced challenges like prolonged training camps in Pune, requiring months away from home and school at age 14. A standout memory was the Commonwealth Games semi-final against Australia, where she felt immense pride wearing the India jersey. Her story reflects the grit that defines the current team’s mindset.

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Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and all-rounder Deepti Sharma echoed Mandhana’s optimism. Harmanpreet, who once dreamed of opening with Virender Sehwag unaware of gender barriers, highlighted the team’s progress. Deepti credited head coach Amol Muzumdar for fostering a positive, proactive approach. “We focus on what we can achieve, regardless of the opposition, and plan for different situations,” she said. With this mindset, India’s women are poised to make a strong impact at the World Cup.

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