India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana received the loudest applause of the evening as she returned to the public stage for the first time since calling off her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal.
Speaking at the Amazon Smbhav Summit on Wednesday, Mandhana opened up about navigating personal challenges and reaffirmed that nothing grounds her more than cricket.
When moderator Mandira Bedi asked how she remains focused when her personal life makes headlines, Mandhana responded with clarity and conviction.
“I don’t think I love anything more than cricket,” she said. “Wearing that Indian jersey is the motivation that drives us. You keep all your problems aside, and that thought alone helps you focus on life.”
‘Cricket Has Carried Me Through Every Tough Phase’
Marking 12 years in international cricket, Mandhana described her journey as a blend of highs, lows, and unwavering passion. She acknowledged that the sport has helped her navigate every difficult moment—professionally and personally.
She also recalled India’s emotional ICC Women’s World Cup triumph, calling it the reward the team had been striving toward for years.
“We wanted it so badly. We visualised the moment before the final, and when it actually played out on the screen, it gave us goosebumps,” she said.
The presence of trailblazers Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami in the stands added to the significance of the victory.
“Seeing tears in their eyes made it feel like women’s cricket was winning, not just the team. It felt like a battle won for all of them,” Mandhana shared.
‘I Always Wanted to Be Called a World Champion’
Mandhana reflected on her early years, saying her childhood dream was simple and unshakeable.
“As a kid, the madness for batting was always there. I always wanted to be called a world champion,” she said.
She added that the World Cup journey reinforced two fundamental lessons for her and her teammates:
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“You always start an innings at zero, no matter if you scored a hundred before.”
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“And don’t play for yourself — that’s what we kept reminding each other.”
