India's hopes in the upcoming Women's World Cup rest on Smriti Mandhana's shoulders to a certain extent, especially after the scintillating form he has been in recent times. The Indian vice-captain recently smashed two centuries and one fifty in the three-match ODI series against Australia. During the third match, she broke the record for the fastest century by an Indian cricketer in ODIs. She got to the landmark in just 50 balls, two balls quicker than Virat Kohli's tally against Australia in 2013.
India's Test captain Shubman Gill, who is currently in Dubai, where he is playing in the 2025 Asia Cup, likened Mandhana's lazy elegance as a batter to that of Australian legend Damien Martyn.
"I think it is kind of Damien Martyn, how she plays. She has that slow, lazy elegance. Technique is something that gets you through tough phases. When you are under pressure or situation is tough, it helps you,” Gill said while speaking on the BCCI Women's channel in a video.
Shubman Gill offers crucial advice to Smriti Mandhana
The Indian T20I vice-captain Gill refused to give any specific advice to Mandhana and only urged her to continue the way she has been playing of late.
"I actually would not give her any advice and tell her to be herself and keep doing what she is doing," Gill added.
Mandhana didn't play the first warm-up game between India and England on Thursday, September 25. India lost the match by 153 runs. The Women in Blue will play another warm-up match on Saturday against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, India will begin their Women's World Cup campaign at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, September 30. Despite the defeat against England, India are the favourites to go the distance in the marquee event.
On the other hand, the Indian men's team is set to play a Super-Four clash in the 2025 Asia Cup against Sri Lanka on Friday. Suryakumar Yadav and Co. have already reached the final, where they will face Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.
