Category: Cricket

Smriti Mandhana, often hailed as the poster girl of Indian women’s cricket. she has emerged as one of the most talented and consistent players in the world. Known for her elegant stroke play and fearless approach. Mandhana has become a household name, inspiring millions of young girls to take up the sport.

Smriti Mandhana’s Early Life and Background

Born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Smriti Mandhana was raised in a cricket-loving family in Sangli, Maharashtra. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, was a district-level cricketer, and her brother, Shravan, also played cricket at the state level. Watching her brother play inspired Smriti to take up the sport at an early age. At just nine years old, she was selected for Maharashtra’s Under-15 team, and by 11, she had made it to the Under-19 squad.

Domestic Career and Breakthrough

Smriti Mandhana, a trailblazer in Indian women’s cricket, etched her name in history when she scored a magnificent double century in a one-day game for Maharashtra in 2013. This remarkable achievement made her the first Indian woman to reach the milestone in an Under-19 tournament. Her stellar performances in domestic cricket quickly brought her into the spotlight, earning her a place in the national team. Smriti made her debut for India in April 2013 in a T20 International against Bangladesh, marking the beginning of a promising international career.

International Career Highlights of Smriti Mandhana

Since her debut, Smriti Mandhana has consistently performed at the highest level. Her breakthrough came during the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she played a crucial role in India’s journey to the final. Her stunning 90 against England in the tournament opener and an unbeaten century against the West Indies showcased her ability to handle pressure and deliver when it mattered the most.

In 2018, Smriti became the youngest Indian woman to captain the national team in T20Is. The same year, she was named the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year, cementing her status as one of the best players in the world.

Her cricket Playing Style

Smriti Mandhana is known for her graceful batting style, often drawing comparisons to Indian legends like Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli. A left-handed opener, she combines timing with power, making her a treat to watch. Her ability to dominate bowlers in all formats of the game has made her an indispensable part of the Indian team.

Achievements and Records

• ICC Awards: Named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018) and ODI Player of the Year (2018).
• Milestones: Fastest Indian woman to reach 2,000 ODI runs.
• Franchise Cricket: A key player in leagues like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred, Smriti has represented teams like Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, and Southern Brave, gaining international acclaim.

Impact and Legacy

Beyond her on-field performances, Smriti Mandhana has played a pivotal role in popularizing women’s cricket in India. Her charismatic personality and approachable demeanor have made her a fan favorite. She has also used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports and inspire the next generation of female cricketers.

Her Future Prospects

At just 28 years of age, Smriti Mandhana is already a veteran in international cricket. With her prime years still ahead of her, she is expected to break more records and lead India to greater heights on the global stage.

Smriti Mandhana’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming an international cricket sensation is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. As she continues to shine on the cricketing field, she remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the world.

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Smriti Mandhana wikipedia

Chennai Super Kings’ Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led from the front in the win against KKR on April 8 night, was stunningly appointed CSK captain a day before the IPL opener on March 22

The charismatic Mahendra Singh Dhoni told Ruturaj Gaikwad to be prepared for Chennai Super Kings captaincy back in 2022 and he has been ready ever since even though there were no “deep conversations” between the two on how to lead one of the most successful IPL units.

Gaikwad, who led from the front in the win against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8 night, was stunningly appointed CSK captain a day before the IPL opener on March 22.

The team’s earlier leadership experiment with Ravindra Jadeja did not work but the CSK think-tank has been bullish about Gaikwad’s long-term reign. Dhoni is known for his no nonsense approach and that is how he discussed the transition with Gaikwad.

“To be honest, not really deep conversations. I feel it was in a very chilled state. Just one conversation I would say. Just we were practicing and he came and told me all this stuff,” Gaikwad said in the post-match press conference after the seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on April 8.

“Obviously, everyone, others on the outside, would think they are big shoes to fill, but I feel I would always be myself and I would like to continue the culture that has been going on.

“I remember in 2022 when he told me, ‘Probably not next year, but after that, you might get a chance to lead, so be ready for it’. So, obviously after that, I was always ready for it,” said the opener.

A franchise like CSK is quite meticulous with its planning and that is why head coach Stephen Fleming was discussing field and bowling changes with Gaikwad last year.

“It was nothing new to me or a surprise or a shock. I know how to control the game. I know how the game progresses, which change [to make], and what to do when, as I was doing for the State team [Maharashtra] as well.

“Even last year, Fleming and I used to discuss captaincy after every game, about how I felt, what changes, bowling changes what I felt we needed to do, this or that. Every game, we had one-on-one conversations so that really helped.” When asked what change had he brought in as skipper, Gaikwad asserted that he believes in continuity.

“Captaincy-wise, I don’t want to be a specific kind of character. Just let things flow and keep the culture of CSK going. The success that we had and the things we have been doing, I don’t want to change a single bit of it.

“I just want to come here, make my own decisions and just give as much freedom as possible because that’s what has been happening from when I joined CSK. Nothing really changes and I’m enjoying a lot.” “Captaincy, while batting, is a totally different approach”

Gaikwad’s batting as the skipper this season has not been at his usual best but he made an unbeaten 67 against KKR.

When asked if captaincy had compelled him to make some changes to his batting, he said, “Sometimes there are phases where you get good balls. Sometimes there are phases where you are slightly unlucky. Sometimes there are phases where things don’t really fall in shape.

“So, you don’t really need to think on that. I always felt I was in good shape, starting really well, good headspace, so I wasn’t really worried.

“And captaincy, while batting, is a totally different approach. Even when I was playing my first game, or the first fifty I scored for CSK, I think (it was a) similar kind of situation.

“We were chasing 140 and I always wanted to stay till the end and make sure I finish the innings so pretty much same. Nothing really changes even though I am captain or not,” he said referring to the 138-run target set by KKR.