Smriti Mandhana, the 22-year-old vice-captain of the Indian women’s team, has been in great form and has smashed 387 runs in seven innings at an average of 77.40, an incredible strike rate of 185.16 for Western Storm in the KIA T20 League in the UK. This tally includes a 60-ball hundred and two fifties, one of which was the fastest in women’s T20 cricket (an 18-ball affair which is the joint-fastest half century in women’s T20s). She has already smashed the most number of sixes - 21 - in the tournament’s history.
At a time when the Indian women’s team is in a bit of a controversy following the exit of coach Tushar Arothe due to differences with senior players, Smriti’s form, coming just ahead of the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, is a huge relief. Smriti said, “After last year’s World Cup, I worked hard on my batting and fitness levels. This has helped me in achieving consistent form.” The left-hander revealed how a slight change in batting technique helped her form. “A minor change in grip, and a slightly more open stance are the two changes I made. It has helped me with my stroke-making and has also helped me clear the in-field easily. I’m feeling more confident with this.” Scoring runs for my country and being consistent is what I always aspire to do. I hope my runs result in wins for the team. If I score a ton or a fifty in the process, that’s a bonus.”
Smriti is hopeful about continuing this form in the T20 World Cup. “I will try my best. Our team is working hard towards it, and the BCCI has organized camps and tours. It has provided us with enough match practice. We can plan accordingly for the T20 World Cup.”
Smriti values the experience that she’s gained playing in the KSL, and before that in the Big Bash women’s League. “Both are good leagues, and playing in them has helped me improve my game in the T20 format. I have been exposed to different kinds of bowling. It’s a great learning opportunity to also grow as a person and understand my game better in alien conditions,” she says.
