Smriti’s joyful journey from Sangli to summit
She was nine when India made it to their first ever World Cup final in 2005. 12 years later, 5 days after her 21st birthday, on July 23rd, Smriti Mandhana, in what she termed as a “dream come true” was opening the Indian innings as Mithali Raj’s India faced England at Lord’s in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final. For a girl from Sangli, Maharashtra, “the journey to Lord’s was good” even as India fell agonisingly short of what could have been a famous triumph.
“The journey was good, of course. As a kid, you always dream to play at Lord’s. Unfortunately, we missed playing at Lord’s in 2014 as the match was washed out. But I remember Jhulu didi (Jhulan Goswami) telling me and Shikha (Pandey) ‘don’t worry the 2017 World Cup final is at the same ground and if we do well, we will be there.’ I think that really happened. It was a dream come true playing before the packed stadium in Lord’s,” she said while addressing the media following the team’s arrival from England in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Smriti set the tone for India’s campaign, smashing a 90 against hosts England in the team’s opening game and followed it with an unbeaten 106 against the West Indies. However, Smriti, who is only the second Indian cricketer alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, to have played in the Women’s Big Bash League, said she is willing to play county cricket if time and the Indian cricket board allow.
“I think the schedule is very busy for us right now and it is really tough to take time out of this schedule and go play county cricket. But if I get an opportunity and I have a free time, I will definitely like to go and play in those conditions,” Smriti said.
While it is clear that she takes her game seriously and has a chip on her shoulders, her remark on her academics was an indicator that she has a good sense of humour. “I am in first year (of college) for the last three years,” said Smriti amidst a fit of laughter before concluding, “I have not failed, but I am not giving
exams.”