new delhi, Sept 25
India’s in-form vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes the energy of home support will be a defining factor as the co-hosts gear up for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, starting September 30.
India will open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, beginning their quest for a maiden World Cup title.
“We all have been waiting for this World Cup. A lot of things have changed for women’s cricket in India since 2013, when I was a kid,” Smriti said on JioStar on Thursday.
“I am really excited to see how the stadiums turn out and the way they will support. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has made us immune to the loud crowd as well. Nothing can beat people cheering India at the stadiums.”
Smriti also recalled receiving her first Indian jersey. “I remember I was 17 when I got the India jersey in my room. I don’t think I can forget it. I wore it and sent the photos to my parents and my brother. They were very emotional. Challenges are a part of who you are.”
Reflecting on her early struggles, she said, “The biggest challenge for me was, I was in Sangli, and not many girls used to play cricket then. A lot of times, for camps, I had to travel from Sangli to Pune and spend 4-5 months away from home. As a 14-year-old to do that and miss out on school, it was very challenging.”
She further spoke about the pride of representing India and lessons from past setbacks. “I think the Commonwealth semi-final against Australia was when I felt extremely proud about wearing this jersey. I think our belief has changed a lot, and it only changes with what work you put behind it.
“When the effort is there, the fight will always be there. That’s one thing that has majorly changed with this team: everyone believes they are match-winners. The last T20 World Cup was something that hit me quite a lot. I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to feel like this as an athlete in my life’. Post that, a lot of fitness and nutritional changes have come into place.”
All-rounder Deepti Sharma echoed those sentiments, highlighting how special the India jersey remains. “Whenever I wear this blue jersey, I try to make every moment count in it. There are goosebumps when we line up for the national anthem.
“When I made 188 against Ireland in South Africa, that was the highest score for India. I scored those runs as an opener, and I am really proud of that moment in an India jersey.”
She also pointed to a shift in mindset. “Our mindset has changed a bit now, regardless of the team we are facing and the format. We focus on what we can pull off and always talk about positive things and apply the same on the ground.
We talk to Amol sir in our practice sessions, and the main thing is to try and come out of our comfort zone to plan for different situations.”
Injury scare for Arundhati
India were handed an injury scare ahead of their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup opener, after fast bowler Arundhati Reddy had to be wheelchaired off the field on Thursday following a blow to her left knee during the warm-up match against England.
The incident happened at the BCCI Centre of Excellence 1 ground when Arundhati, during her follow-through, tried to take a return catch off a powerful drive from former England skipper Heather Knight in the 13th over.
Having already dismissed opener Amy Jones earlier in the innings, Arundhati suffered a blow directly on her left knee before collapsing to the ground in clear discomfort. Consequently, Jemimah Rodrigues came on to finish the 13th over.
If Arundhati is ruled out of the competition, India might consider selecting pacer Sayali Satghare, who is currently on the reserve list, as her replacement. Earlier, India drafted wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry as a replacement for Yastika Bhatia, who injured her left knee during India’s preparatory camp for the World Cup in Visakhapatnam.
