Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana reveals a significant transformation within the women’s team since the last T20 World Cup: a collective belief that every single player is now a potential ‘match-winner.’ This powerful shift, she explains, is a direct result of an intensified focus on fitness and meticulous preparation.
As the Women’s World Cup draws near, India carries the fervent hope of finally breaking their long-standing jinx and clinching a maiden title. Their campaign is set to kick off against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30.
“Our belief has profoundly evolved, and that only happens when you invest the hard work. When the effort is genuinely there, the fighting spirit will always follow,” Mandhana shared in an interview with JioStar. “That’s the most significant change within this squad — every player now sees themselves as a match-winner.”
The dynamic 29-year-old opener candidly admitted that the disappointment of the previous T20 World Cup left an indelible mark on her.
“The last T20 World Cup truly affected me. I told myself, ‘I never want to experience that feeling as an athlete again in my life.’ Following that, we implemented substantial changes in our fitness routines and nutritional plans,” she explained.
Mandhana expressed the team’s eagerness to immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere of the upcoming World Cup.
“We’ve all been eagerly anticipating this World Cup. So much has changed for women’s cricket in India since my early days back in 2013. I’m incredibly excited to witness the crowds, the stadiums, and the incredible support they will bring,” she remarked.
She further noted the impact of domestic leagues: “The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has also helped us become accustomed to playing in front of loud crowds. Nothing quite compares to hearing an entire stadium cheer for India.”
Reflecting on her journey, Mandhana fondly recalled her India debut, emphasizing that the moment she received her first national jersey would remain etched in her memory forever.
“I vividly remember being 17 when I found the India jersey in my room. It’s a moment I can never forget. I put it on and immediately sent photos to my parents and my brother, who were incredibly emotional. Challenges are an inherent part of who you become. For me, the biggest hurdle was growing up in Sangli, where not many girls played cricket back then. Often, for training camps, I had to travel from Sangli to Pune, spending four to five months away from home. Doing that as a 14-year-old, and missing out on school, was immensely challenging. I believe it was during the Commonwealth semi-final against Australia that I felt an overwhelming sense of pride wearing this jersey,” she recounted.
Meanwhile, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also offered reflections on her own path and childhood aspirations.
“As a young girl, it was incredibly challenging to even dream of playing for the country. I always envisioned opening the batting with Virender Sehwag, not realizing then that women couldn’t play in the men’s team,” she shared with a smile.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma shed light on the team’s evolving mindset under the guidance of head coach Amol Muzumdar.
“Our approach has definitely shifted, regardless of the opponent or format. We now concentrate on what we can achieve, focusing on positive outcomes and applying that same positivity on the field,” Deepti stated.
“During our practice sessions with Amol sir, the primary objective is to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and strategize for various match scenarios,” she added, highlighting the team’s commitment to growth and adaptability.