The Rise of a Cricket Superstar
Smriti Mandhana, the elegant left-handed batter from Sangli, has emerged as India's most marketable cricketer, ranking among the world's top 25 female sporting earners. With 17 brand endorsements and a World Cup title to her name, her journey from domestic cricket to international stardom is nothing short of remarkable.
Business Pitch with a Touch of Humor
The transformation began in 2017 when sports management professional Tuhin Mishra approached Mandhana at Delhi's Taj Hotel in Connaught Place. Fresh from the World Cup final where India had lost to England, Mandhana's star was clearly rising. Mishra delivered his best Jerry Maguire-inspired pitch, complete with impressive contract figures, only to be met with Mandhana's characteristic wit. "She heard me out without interrupting, and then told me, 'You know, you remind me of Paresh Rawal'", Mishra recalls with a laugh.
This early encounter showcased the combination of sharp business acumen and humor that would define Mandhana's approach to her growing brand portfolio. From earning Rs 30-40 lakh per brand initially, her valuation skyrocketed to Rs 2-3 crore going into the World Cup, with expectations of further growth following her championship victory.
Cricket First: The Foundation of Success
Behind the brand success lies an unwavering commitment to cricket excellence. Mandhana's journey began following in the footsteps of her elder brother Shravan, also a left-handed cricketer and leg-spinner. Her coach, Anant Tambvekar, played a crucial role in shaping her career, often reminding her to develop her own style rather than copying legends like Kumar Sangakkara or Sourav Ganguly.
Tambvekar recalls one particularly telling incident during fielding practice when he commented, "Kya ladki jaisa catch drop kar rahi tu?" Mandhana's furious response - "Waapis ladki bola toh dekhna!" - revealed her determination to challenge gender stereotypes in cricket.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Excellence
The path to success wasn't without obstacles. In the early days of women's cricket, with only 3-4 games per year in 2012-13, Tambvekar had to innovate training methods. They trained with U12 boys bowlers and worked extensively on backfoot play and late cuts. Mandhana's dedication saw her commuting from Sangli to Pune for training and eventually building a private nets facility in her backyard.
Her breakthrough came when she began dominating domestic giants Indian Railways. As her Maharashtra senior Anuja Patil recalls, "Her aggressive batting is irrespective of conditions, bowlers and nature of wickets." This same confidence carried into international cricket, resulting in a century-spree over the last two years.
Transformation and World Cup Glory
Following India's disappointing World Cup performance in 2022, Mandhana underwent a significant transformation. She intensified her fitness regime, developing near six-pack abs and changing her entire approach to training. A personal cook now accompanies her everywhere, ensuring strict dietary control, while she often trains late into the night at her Sangli facility.
Her stress relief comes from mobile gaming, another passion she pursues with characteristic intensity. This combination of discipline, talent, and market appeal has made her a happy aberration in brand-speak, successfully entering male-dominated product segments like car oil and insurance.
Today, Smriti Mandhana stands as a testament to what happens when sporting excellence meets business savvy, all while maintaining the wicked wit that once compared a serious business pitch to a Bollywood character.
