Indian batsman Smriti Mandhana shared heartwarming news for a young fan in Kashmir. Filmmaker Kabir Khan has released images from his recent trip to the region, during which he met a young girl in the Aru Valley who claimed to be a big fan of the Indian star.
Mandhana, who is scheduled to feature in India’s five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka from December 21, later came across the post and responded with an adorable message that won hearts on social media.
Kabir Khan wrote: “A walk with my camera in Kashmir always rewards me with magical moments. Like this little girl in Aru who wanted me to tell Smriti Mandhana that she was her favorite player. I hope Smriti sees this post. Or the boys whose pitch is bordered by a mountain stream. If you hit a 6, the ball will go all the way down the Jhelum river valley.”
In response, Mandhana wrote, “Please hug the little champ in Aru from me and tell her I’m rooting for her too!”
MANDHANA EYES BIG LANDMARK
Mandhana is all set to create history as she watches became the first Indian batsman to reach 4,000 runs in women’s T20Is. She will get her chance in the series opener against Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu on Sunday in Visakhapatnam.
New Zealand veteran Suzie Bates was the first player to reach the milestone. Mandhana has just 18 runs and has amassed 3,982 runs from 153 matches at an average of 29.93 and a strike rate of 123.97, with one century and 31 half-centuries.
Mandhana enjoyed an excellent campaign at the Women’s World Cup and played a key role in India’s title triumph after defeating South Africa in the final. The left-hander amassed 434 runs in nine matches at an average of 54.25, setting a new record for most runs by an Indian woman in a single ODI Women’s World Cup, surpassing Mithali Raj’s 409 in 2017.
Her tally included a century against New Zealand and crucial contributions, including 45 in the final. Mandhana finished second in the tournament rankings and was the backbone of India’s success.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
December 21, 2025
