What inspired Smriti Mandhana to take up cricket

Smriti Mandhana: An Inspiring Journey from Local Fields to Global Stardom

Smriti Mandhana, a name synonymous with Indian women's cricket, has captivated audiences worldwide with her elegant batting style and remarkable achievements. Beyond the statistics and records, lies an inspiring journey of a young girl from Mumbai who dared to dream big in a male-dominated sport. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers, making her a role model for aspiring athletes and a cultural icon in India.

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Early Influences and Introduction to Cricket

Born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Smriti's family relocated to Sangli, Maharashtra, where her cricketing dreams began to take shape. Growing up in a sports-loving family played a crucial role in nurturing her love for cricket. Her father, Shrinivas, a former district-level cricketer, and her brother, Shravan, a former Maharashtra U-19 player, were instrumental in her early development.

Young Smriti was drawn to the sport by watching her brother, Shravan, compete in Maharashtra state Under-16 tournaments. Inspired by his achievements, she picked up the bat, albeit left-handed, under the encouragement of her father, who admired left-handed batters. This early exposure to the game ignited a passion within her, setting her on a path to greatness.

At the age of nine, Mandhana was already playing for Maharashtra's U-15 team, and by 11, she was fast-tracked into the U-19 side. Recognizing her talent, a local bat company crafted a custom-sized bat for her, which she considered a turning point in her career. "I was so excited, I couldn’t sleep for two days. When I got the bat, I knew this was it," she recalled.

International Debut and Breakthrough Performances

Smriti's rapid rise through the ranks culminated in her international debut for India in April 2013, against Bangladesh at the young age of 16. Even in her first game, she showcased her explosive opening batting ability. She made her T20I debut against Bangladesh, top-scoring with 39 runs. Days later, she made her ODI debut, continuing her ascent in the international arena.

In 2014, Smriti achieved a significant milestone by scoring an unbeaten 224 in an U-19 one-day competition while wielding a bat signed by Rahul Dravid. This remarkable feat made her the first Indian woman to score a double century in 50-over cricket. The same year, she played a crucial role in India's Test victory over England in Wormsley. She also scored her maiden international century in an ODI against Australia, solidifying her position as a top-tier batter.

The 2017 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in England proved to be a turning point in Smriti's career. She emerged as one of the tournament's leading run-scorers, playing crucial innings that propelled India to the finals for the first time since 2005. Her standout performances included an impressive unbeaten 90 against Australia and a crucial 86 against New Zealand, solidifying her reputation as a player who could perform under pressure on big stages.

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Leadership and Franchise Cricket

Apart from her exceptional batting skills, Smriti Mandhana has also taken on leadership roles within the Indian team. She was appointed India’s youngest T20 captain. In the inaugural season of the Women's Premier League (WPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a bold move by acquiring her for a record INR 3.4 crore, making her the most expensive player in the tournament.

In WPL 2024, Smriti led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to their maiden title win. She practices an in-depth style of leadership, emphasizing both inclusion and motivation toward younger players. She credited the franchise’s inclusive approach for helping her form an immediate bond. “The management never treated us as a women’s team. They made us feel like part of RCB from the get-go," she explained.

Overcoming Challenges and Cultural Impact

Smriti's journey has not been without its challenges. In 2020, she was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which kept her away from the field for several months. However, she demonstrated her resilience by working hard on rehabilitation and returning to the field stronger than before.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Smriti Mandhana has become a cultural icon in India. Her lovely batting and charming personality have garnered her a tremendous fan following. She won the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award twice. She is also the youngest skipper of the Indian women's cricket team. As a sportswoman, entrepreneur, and brand endorser, she is a beacon of inspiration for young girls who aspire to carve their own paths in sports.

Smriti Mandhana's journey from a young girl playing cricket in Sangli to becoming one of the world's leading cricketers is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication. Her achievements have not only brought glory to Indian cricket but have also inspired a new generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams. As she continues to break records and inspire millions, Smriti Mandhana's legacy as a true icon of the sport is only set to grow.