Smriti Mandhana has had an emotionally heavy month. After playing a decisive role in India’s triumph at the Women's World Cup, she found herself navigating a turbulent phase in her personal life. Now, she’s back on the field, doing what she loves most. Mandhana has been appointed vice-captain for India’s T20I series against Sri Lanka, beginning December 21, the team’s first bilateral assignment since the World Cup final on November 2.
On Wednesday, she appeared publicly for the first time since calling off her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal, joining India captain Harmanpreet Kaur at an event where she opened up about her mindset.
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“Well, to be fair, I mean, as Harman said, the love for the game, and I don't think I love anything in life more than cricket. So, when you go out to bat or when you go out to represent your country, I don't think any other thoughts are there in the mind. When you put on the Indian jersey, the only thing you want to do is represent India and win the match for the country," Mandhana said.
She added that wearing the national jersey itself is her biggest source of motivation. "And yeah, I mean, the biggest motivation is that when you put on the jersey, and India is written on it. I mean, I always tell everyone that once you put on the jersey, you just keep all your problems aside and just be on the field, because you have a responsibility and you are one among two billion people who are representing your country. And I mean, just the thought of that is enough for you to have that razor-sharp focus and do what you want to do."
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Mandhana also addressed conversations within the team, insisting that disagreements are part of the process. "Well, I think, firstly, I don't look at it as issues because everyone is wanting to win the game for the country and everyone has their own opinion on how we will win the game for the country," she said.
Smriti Mandhana’s marriage
Mandhana and Muchhal were initially set to marry on November 23, but postponed the ceremony after her father, Srinivas, fell ill. On December 7, the two announced through social media that they had decided to call off the wedding.
