Smriti Mandhana poised to take on captaincy for India.

Smriti Mandhana, the elegant left-handed batter for India, recently reflected on her pivotal role in the team’s historic Test victory at Lord’s, where she showcased her talent with two half-centuries. This landmark win not only marked a significant achievement for Indian women’s cricket but also underscored Mandhana’s status as a key player. In a recent interview, the 29-year-old discussed the implications of this victory, the lessons learned from past T20 World Cup performances, the influence of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and her readiness to take on the captaincy role when the opportunity arises.

Mandhana expressed her excitement about being part of India’s first-ever women’s Test at the iconic Lord’s ground, emphasizing the significance of contributing to such a historic win. “It was amazing to be part of the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s and, more importantly, to win it. Contributing to a historic victory for India was special,” she stated. The left-hander recalled how, as children, they all dreamed of playing Test cricket, making this achievement even more memorable.

In the interview, Mandhana also addressed the challenges faced by her teammate Yastika Bhatia, who underwent ACL surgery. She shared her own experience with a similar injury in 2017, highlighting how it helped her grow both personally and athletically. “I told her how my own ACL injury helped me grow. Some of my best cricket came after that setback,” Mandhana noted, aiming to inspire Bhatia during her recovery.

When discussing India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, Mandhana emphasized the need for introspection and a strategic approach moving forward. “We haven’t learned enough from our past errors and have continued to repeat them,” she remarked, advocating for a clear roadmap leading up to the 2028 T20 World Cup.

On the topic of leadership, Mandhana expressed her readiness to captain the national team if called upon. “Yes, of course. I am ready,” she affirmed. Reflecting on the WPL, she acknowledged the league's role in nurturing new talent, although she believes there is still room for improvement in utilizing these players effectively.

Mandhana’s leadership philosophy centers on fostering a positive team culture where players feel valued and trusted. “When people feel valued and trusted, they tend to perform better,” she explained. As a seasoned performer in major tournaments, she noted that her calmness has been instrumental in her performance, regardless of the stakes involved.

Finally, Mandhana acknowledged the pressure that comes with being a premier batter for India but expressed her enjoyment of that challenge. “Whenever you pick up the bat for India, there is pressure to help your team win. But I enjoy that pressure,” she concluded. She also credited ICC chairman Jay Shah for his significant contributions to the advancement of women’s cricket, both in India and globally.