Smriti Mandhana Reflects on WPL's Pivotal Role in Shaping India's T20 World Cup Campaign
From record-shattering performances to historic triumphs, Smriti Mandhana's 2024 has been a masterclass in cricketing excellence. The Indian vice-captain amassed a staggering 1,703 runs across formats this year, setting a new benchmark as the highest run-scorer by a woman in a calendar year. This phenomenal achievement laid the foundation for India's landmark victory in their maiden ODI World Cup.
WPL: The Perfect Bridge to International Cricket
Having already led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women's Premier League title earlier in 2024, Mandhana has cemented her status as both a standard-bearer and a trailblazer in women's cricket. The fourth edition of the WPL has only amplified this reputation, with RCB emerging as the dominant force and storming into the final as table-toppers.
In an exclusive conversation, Mandhana elaborated on the tournament's significance, particularly with the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon.
Setting the Tone for Global Glory
"Massive," was Mandhana's emphatic response when asked about the WPL's role in preparing for the T20 World Cup. "We've been immersed in one-day cricket due to the ODI World Cup, but entering the WPL, we were acutely aware that the T20 World Cup is just five months away. This tournament has been instrumental in switching back to T20 mode and honing our skills. It has enabled numerous players to identify areas for improvement and strategically build towards the World Cup."
Mastering Pressure in High-Stakes Environments
The vice-captain highlighted how the WPL has revolutionized pressure management. "Now in its fourth season, the WPL has been a true blessing for women's cricket. Players have grown accustomed to performing in front of massive crowds and handling intense scrutiny. They are also more attuned to the attention, appreciation, and criticism that accompany such platforms. The WPL equips everyone—including us as captain and vice-captain of the national team—to navigate high-pressure scenarios. It has been immensely beneficial."
Bridging the Gap Between Domestic and International Arenas
Mandhana underscored the WPL's critical function in narrowing the chasm between domestic and international cricket. "For years, the leap was directly from domestic to international cricket, with no intermediate stage—and the disparity in quality was vast. Only a handful of players could adapt swiftly; many struggled for extended periods. The WPL fits perfectly in between. Players get to interact with overseas stars and Indian internationals, learn from them, evaluate their own standing, and deepen their understanding of the game. It has brilliantly filled that void."
Team Dynamics and Learning from Setbacks
Reflecting on RCB's journey to their second final in four editions, Mandhana credited the management and support staff. "Substantial credit goes to them for meticulously building this team over the past three years. Many systems were established even before the tournament began, allowing us to play our brand of cricket confidently."
Addressing the team's back-to-back losses after five consecutive wins, she noted, "Those two defeats taught us valuable lessons about areas needing improvement. Sometimes, winning can mask certain flaws. Losses expose those aspects and impart crucial insights. However, the team's camaraderie remained unwavering. The true strength of this squad lies in everyone supporting each other."
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
When asked about standout Indian youngsters in this WPL, Mandhana praised Gautami Naik and Prema Yadav. "Gautami becoming the first uncapped player to score a fifty in the WPL is a remarkable feat. Prema is an exceptional leg-spinner and a brilliant fielder. She has impressed with both bat and ball, despite limited opportunities due to team combinations."
Personal Reflections and Consistency
On dealing with unconverted starts, Mandhana admitted, "When I get out in the 20s or 30s, I'm extremely hard on myself. I feel I've let the team down because my eyes were set and I couldn't guide the team through. Honestly, I'd prefer getting out in single digits."
She emphasized the importance of resilience in franchise cricket. "In T20, the turnaround is rapid. You reflect for maybe half an hour, then refocus. It's not just about internal dialogue but also the actions you take the next day. Consistency is key—whether I score 0, 20, 90, or 100, I still wake up and hit the gym."
Approaching the Final with Clarity
Looking ahead to the final, Mandhana stressed simplicity. "What has worked for us all season is keeping things extremely straightforward and avoiding overcomplication. Our planning has been precise—from batting and bowling preparations to field settings and role clarity. We don't need to alter much based on the opposition. Staying simple and executing our plans will be crucial."
