If not cricket, this is what Smriti Mandhana would have been doing

The 20 year old India Women opener Smriti Mandhana has made a big name for herself in the last couple of weeks. A thundering ton from Mandhana against West Indies women helped the Indian side register their second win of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. Earlier, during their first game, Mandhana had top scored but was unfortunate to have been dismissed in the nineties.

Not so long ago, there were serious concerns over her fitness. She had injured her knee during her stint with the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL this year. She had to subsequently miss out the Qualifiers of the World Cup. Coming into the tournament proper, Smriti Mandhana though she might be scratchy. However, a fluent 82 against Windies Women in the warm up game gave her immense confidence. As per the recent quotes in xtratime, she admitted the same.

“The knock of 82 not out against the West Indies in a practice match gave me confidence that my batting was not lost. I can bat. It was really tough coming out of the injury but I’m really happy I’ve done enough in two matches for India and hopefully I can continue that form,” quoted Smrit Mandhana.

On Mandhana’s other interests

Smriti’s father. Sriniwas, also revealed that had she not been a cricketer, she would have loved to be chef. He noted that she often cooks for the family whenever she gets time. “Apart from cricket, she had a lot of interest in cooking. She loves her cooking like anything after cricket. She wanted to become a chef had she not succeeded in cricket. She even cooks for us when she is at home,” he quoted.

On being a southpaw

As a young kid, Smriti Mandhana played with her brother. Interestingly, both of them bat left handed despite being right handed else wise. Revealing the reason behind the same, Smriti’s father remarked that he always felt southpaws are more elegant.

“Both were right handed but I made them bat left handed. I wanted them to be left handed as I always felt left hander was more stylish,” quoted Mandhana’s father.