Smriti Mandhana, Team India’s dashing opener, is brimming with confidence and anticipation going into her first game of cricket in the last seven months. The southpaw is leading the Trailblazers—a side full of rich talent and experience—in the ongoing Women’s T20 Challenge in the UAE. She has in her team exciting players such as young Richa Ghosh and Harleen Deol as also big stars—Deandra Dottin, Salma Khatun and Deepti Sharma. She has at her disposal the services of the world’s number one ranked T20I bowler Sophie Ecclestone alongside the experienced Jhulan Goswami. Thailand’s most popular player Natthakan Chantham, too, is part of the side led by Mandhana.
The 24-year-old southpaw from Sangli admitted that it won’t be easy to fire all cylinders after seven months of no competitive cricket but there is little option at the players’ disposal except to hit the sixth gear from the very beginning in such a short tournament.
“Given the conditions, we haven’t played a match for last seven months, I think it’s going to be tough. We don’t have matches to come back in this tournament. It is important to start firing from first match itself,” Mandhana said.
Mandhana admitted that the lockdown for her was a mixed bag; she started missing playing cricket in the last 2-3 months when, even after the reopening, she was unable to get any game time. “Last 2-3 months were difficult. The first few months, I didn’t get so much time to spend at home. I enjoyed with mom and dad, but the last 2-3 months, I wanted to play and train. Luckily, I started training back home. I had enough time to prepare. It didn’t affect (me) a lot, (it was) more of a positive time-out. We got the chance to work on our batting and fitness, and come (back) with a better mindset. At least it has helped me, the last 6-7 months.”
Will she be nervous stepping out to bat after so long?
“Not yet,” Mandhana says. “I don’t think much. Whenever I step out to bat, I might feel something but nothing as of now. All the girls are more excited than nervous going out there after seven months.”
Mandhana admits to having a luxury of choices. “Sophie was here with us last year, too! I am happy not to face her. She is one of the best bowlers going around. She is brilliant in both power plays. She can bowl anywhere, you just ask her to bowl, she is ready. She was right on the mark.”
Trailblazers take on Velocity led by the seasoned Mithali Raj on Thursday.