Smriti Mandhana Shares Insights Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana‘s recent remarks about her early cricketing journey have garnered significant attention on social media. During an interview marking the commencement of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Mandhana shared anecdotal insights about her initial disinterest in cricket and how she eventually grew to love the game.

“Initially, I did not like cricket,” Mandhana remarked, recalling her early years. “But as I began to learn how to play, particularly batting, my interest grew significantly. Our father dreamed of a cricketing career, which my brother did not pursue. It became my responsibility to fulfill that dream,” she reflected.

Hailing from Sangli in Maharashtra, Mandhana also shared an endearing story from her family. “My family used to joke that I learned cricket while still in my mother’s womb. The idea of pursuing cricket as a career only formed much later. I remember starting around the age of 9 or 10,” she said, highlighting the support from her mother in her cricketing endeavors.

Notably, Mandhana’s representation for India in the T20 World Cup marks her sixth appearance. The Indian women’s team, buoyed by the Men’s T20 World Cup victory, aims to clinch their own trophy. Their first match is set to be against New Zealand, with the Indian camp looking to start strong with an all-around performance.

In addition to her cricketing aspirations, Mandhana mentioned the unprecedented support from her hometown, where the locals encouraged her to represent India. The match against New Zealand will kick off India’s campaign, as fans eagerly anticipate whether the women in blue can secure a triumphant start.