Smriti Mandhana in Ecstasy as India Celebrates Padma Shri Harmanpreet Kaur: Video

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was among the happiest team members as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur received the prestigious Padma Shri award on Monday. The Indian women’s team, currently training in Chelmsford ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, put their preparations on hold to witness the special moment together in the dressing room.

When Harmanpreet’s name was announced during the civic investiture ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the players erupted into applause and cheers while watching the ceremony. Smriti Mandhana, who shares a close bond with the captain on and off the field, was visibly emotional and immediately video called Harmanpreet to congratulate her after receiving the honour.

Heartwarming scenes reflected the unity in the Indian camp ahead of the crucial global tournament. A video shared by the BCCI Women’s handle captured the team celebrating together in Chelmsford while Harmanpreet joined the moment virtually via video call. The caption read: “One for all and all for one. Moments to really cherish as Team India celebrates captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s prestigious Padma Shri award in Chelmsford.”

Harmanpreet received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murma in recognition of her immense contribution to Indian cricket. The honor came months after she led India to a historic triumph in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil in 2025, ending the country’s long wait for a senior women’s world title.

INDIA STARTS WINNING IN ENGLAND

India will also face England in a three-match T20I series ahead of the Women’s World Cup T20. Ahead of the task, the Women in Blue secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over the ECB Development Women’s XI in a warm-up match at The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground in Chelmsford.

Chasing 155, India comfortably reached 158 for three in just 16.2 overs to start their England tour on a positive note. However, as this was a practice match, India continued to bat for the full 20 overs and eventually finished at 200 for six.

Batting first, the ECB Development Women’s XI scored 154 for six in their 20 overs. Florence Miller top-scored with 48 off 41 balls while Joanne Gardner contributed 36 off 27 deliveries. Sophia Smale remained unbeaten on 27 off 18 balls.

India’s bowling effort was led by Arundhati Reddy who claimed three wickets while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil chipped in with one wicket each to keep the score in check during the middle overs.

In response, India’s top order dominated from the start. Smriti Mandhana smashed 21 off just 10 balls, including three fours and a six, before stealing the spotlight from Shafali Verma with a blistering 50 off 25 deliveries.

Yastika Bhatia also impressed with 47 off 35 balls while Bharti Fulmali remained unbeaten on 27. India cleared the target with 22 balls to spare, showcasing their batting depth and strong preparation ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20I series against England.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

26 May 2026 11:57 IST

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