In the wake of calling off her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal, Indian women's cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is drawing strength from her unwavering love for cricket and a renewed focus on her goals. After confirming the news of the called-off wedding, Mandhana has emphasized her commitment to the sport, stating that representing India remains her top priority.
Just days after the news broke, Mandhana reunited with captain Harmanpreet Kaur at an event in Delhi, where she addressed her mindset and recent experiences. "Well, to be fair, I mean, as Harman said, the love for the game, and I don't think I love anything in life more than cricket," Mandhana stated, highlighting the central role cricket plays in her life. She is set to feature in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, beginning on December 21, marking India's first bilateral assignment since their Women's World Cup final on November 2.
Mandhana conveyed that wearing the Indian jersey fills her with immense motivation. "I always tell everyone that once you put on the jersey, you just keep all your problems aside and just be on the field, because you have a responsibility and you are one among two billion people who are representing your country," she explained. "And I mean, just the thought of that is enough for you to have that razor-sharp focus and do what you want to do".
In a resurfaced interview with Humans of Bombay from three years ago, Mandhana shared her strategy for coping with setbacks: setting short-term goals. "It's pretty easy for me. I have short-term goals. Say if I feel low today, I will just start writing what I have to work on for the next six days or for the next seven days, in my batting or in my fitness," she said. She added that this method helps her shift her mind from setbacks to progress. "Once I start doing that, I just forget what's happening. I just focus on what I have to do".
Mandhana also emphasized the importance of approaching each day as a fresh start, a lesson she attributes to her cricketing journey. "You have to always start your day as a new day because you start your innings on zero, even if you score a hundred," she stated. "So that's the biggest takeaway from what I have learnt. Whatever happens in your life the next day is a fresh day".
Following the cancellation of her wedding, Mandhana shared a post on Instagram with the line "I chose clarity over panic," which quickly gained traction. Her caption, "For me, calm isn't silence – it's control," further resonated with fans.
Despite the personal challenges, Mandhana remains dedicated to her sport and her commitment to representing India. She is preparing for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka and the Women's Premier League 2025, where she will captain Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
