Smriti Mandhana says one truth has become clearer to her over the past 12 years than anything else – there is nothing she cares about more than cricket. India’s most successful left-arm batsman in women’s cricket looked back on her journey, from her international debut in 2013 to helping India lift the World Cup last month, when she addressed the Amazon Smbhav Summit on Wednesday.
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Mandhana spoke candidly about what drives her dedication every day. “I don’t think there’s anything I love more than cricket. Putting on the India jersey is the biggest motivation. No matter what you’re going through, that thought helps you block everything out,” she said. Even as a child, she knew exactly what she wanted. “The obsession with batting was always there. People around me didn’t really understand it, but in my head I wanted only one thing – to be known as a world champion.” She described the World Cup victory as the result of years of hard work and disappointment. “This trophy was the result of everything we fought for. I’ve been playing for more than ten years and so many times things didn’t fit together. Before the final, we imagined that moment over and over again. When it finally appeared on the screen, it really gave us goosebumps. It was emotional in every way.” The occasion was made even more stunning with legends Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami watching from the stands. “We were desperate to win it for them too. When we saw the tears in their eyes, it was like the whole of women’s cricket had achieved something. It was a win for everyone who came before us.” Mandhana shared the biggest lessons she took away from her triumph: “You always start from scratch, no matter what you scored before. And never play for yourself – that’s something we kept telling ourselves.” The event also marked Mandhana’s first public appearance since she confirmed the annulment of her wedding to musician Palash Muchhal.
