Smriti Mandhana said India are “really hungry” ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after their recent World Cup triumph and T20I series success in Australia.
India are heading into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with confidence soaring after their recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph and an impressive T20I series victory in Australia.
Star opener Smriti Mandhana admitted the team wants to continue its winning momentum while targeting another ICC trophy in the shortest format.
“For sure, we will like to continue the good form which we’ve had, especially having the success in the 50-over format in the World Cup. And then, of course, WPL (Women’s Premier League) was also good for a lot of players to get that experience, plus the T20 series in Australia.” said Smriti
“Having said that, with cricket, it’s all about how you start again. But I feel more than anything, with this team, we are really hungry. Everyone looks very hungry in terms of doing the right things.”
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India’s preparations have also been boosted by strong performances in the Women’s Premier League, where several players gained valuable exposure under pressure situations.
India’s New Power-Hitting Identity Impresses Mandhana
India’s batting unit has evolved significantly in T20 cricket over the last few years, with players like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur bringing an aggressive approach to the format.
Mandhana believes the presence of explosive middle-order batters has allowed top-order players to bat with greater freedom and confidence.
“I feel great as a batter top out of the order, we have so many power hitters coming in later. We can take our time.” said Mandhana. It has not been typical strength for this Indian team. But now it’s turning out to be our strength because we have the likes of Shafali [Verma], Richa [Ghosh].”
“Harman, of course, has been doing this for a very long time. And even people like me or Jemimah [Rodrigues], we know we can find a way around the same strike rate to play. “
The Indian batting lineup now carries far more depth and attacking intent, something that has transformed the side into a dangerous force in global T20 cricket.
Mandhana Recalls Her Early World Cup Dream
Mandhana also reflected on her early days in international cricket and revealed how Australia’s dominance inspired her to dream of winning a World Cup for India.
The left-handed opener made her T20 World Cup debut in 2014 as a teenager and said she was deeply influenced by the respect Australia commanded across world cricket.
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“I was like 16 or 17 when I played my first World Cup. That time you are not thinking about what is happening and all. But then I saw the respect for the Australian team, for me, that is when I was like, that is what I want.” said the 29-year-old.
“As a player, that was pretty attractive that, OK, you know, when the Indian team goes, we need to command that respect.
“And for me, that is when I started feeling that, OK, I want to win the World Cup for India. I want to win the World Cup because I want to get that sort of a feeling”
India will now face England in a three-match T20I series before beginning their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign on June 14.
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