Even after India narrowly missed in a high-scoring ODI chase against Australia, Smriti Mandhana is optimistic about her team winning from anywhere. In the reflection after the series, the vice-captain spoke about the positives, areas that could be improved upon, and commended the content of the young players ahead of the ODI Women’s World Cup.
Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Century Keeps India in the Hunt
In the third ODI against Australia, Smriti Mandhana hit a stunning 125 in 63 balls, achieving the second-quickest century in Women’s ODI cricket history (off 50 balls). In pursuit of Australia’s record aggregate of 412, Mandhana provided a good beginning before India lost by 43 runs to be bowled out for 369.
Mandhana ended the three-match series as the leading run-scorer with 300 runs, of which two centuries were a demonstration of her reliability at the top of the batting order.
India’s Batting Depth: Not Over-Dependent on Smriti Mandhana
Though Mandhana was a leading light throughout the series, she firmly repelled the idea that India is too dependent on her performances.
“Everyone on the Indian team is a match-winner not only the playing XI, but all 15 players,” remarked Smriti Mandhana.
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She went on to say that India has successfully chased large totals even when she has not played well, mentioning examples of centuries by teammates like Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, and others over the last year.
Fielding: An Area Where India Must Show Improvement
Perhaps the biggest worry from the Australia series, as per Smriti Mandhana, was India’s fielding inconsistency. In the three ODIs, India dropped up to 15 catches, which proved to be costly while defending as well as chasing targets.
“Fielding is one area where we need to improve as a unit. It’s not about individual brilliance but collective effort,” said Mandhana.
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She accepted that although India is getting better as a side in the field, lack of consistency is the biggest issue which has to be corrected before the Women’s World Cup.
Learning from Australia: A Benchmark for Growth
Mandhana lauded Australia as the perfect side to challenge India’s strengths and weaknesses. She accepted that even though the series did not determine India’s World Cup aspirations, it taught the team many valuable lessons.
“Upfront, we weren’t looking to prove that we can win the World Cup. That’s always present in our minds. It was about realizing what we’re doing right and wrong,” she explained.
Smriti Mandhana Emphasizes the Positives: Youth and Desire to Improve
One of Mandhana’s major takeaways was India’s younger players’ “willingness to grow.” She laid stress on the fact that even though the team is a bit young, it is their eagerness to learn, develop, and win that makes her confident when it comes to approaching big tournaments.
“As long as the willingness to work hard is there, I feel the battle is half-won,” Mandhana concluded.
Smriti Mandhana’s Leadership Ahead of the Women’s World Cup
Smriti Mandhana’s batting and captaincy during the series have cemented her position as one of the most reliable and motivational personalities in Indian women’s cricket. Although the 2-1 loss against Australia was disappointing, the positives in batting and learning in fielding will go a long way in framing India’s preparation for the Women’s World Cup.
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