In the latest episode of BBC Test Match Special’s No Balls Podcast hosts Kate Cross and Alex Hartley sat down with one of the brightest stars in contemporary women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana. The episode offered an intimate, insightful look at Smriti’s inspiring journey from a cricket-obsessed family background in India to captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to their very first Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, while reflecting on the seismic growth of women’s cricket in recent years.
A Cricketing Genesis Rooted in Family Passion
Smriti Mandhana’s cricket story begins in a household where the game was more than a pastime; it was a passion that influenced every conversation. Recalling her childhood, Smriti said, “The only thing I heard when I was in my mom’s stomach was maybe cricket because that’s all they discussed.” Her father’s love for left-handed batters played a pivotal role in shaping her approach, with both Smriti and her brother groomed as left-handers despite being naturally right-handed, a testament to the family’s commitment to the sport.
Despite the challenges of being a girl, playing cricket in a small Indian city predominantly populated with boys, Smriti’s experience was unusually positive. She fondly remembers the early days in a male-dominated academy where boys treated her like “their smaller sister” and she had the advantage of extra batting practice. Her elder brother stood as both protector and role model, influencing not only her cricketing technique but also fostering fierce determination.
Breaking Through at 17: A Calm Amidst the Storm
Smriti’s meteoric rise to the Indian national team at just 17 came with surprisingly little pressure. Her parents’ grounded counsel, to simply enjoy the game, helped her navigate the intimidating dressing rooms buzzing with cricketing legends. Smriti reflects, “The real test actually starts from maybe the second year. The first year is like a honeymoon phase.”
The episode traces her early days in international cricket, highlighting memorable moments, including a youthful Test match debut in England, where she exchanged competitive edges with the experienced veteran England seamer Kate Cross.
The camaraderie and friendly banter between the hosts and guests enrich the conversation, revealing the human stories behind the headlines.
The Introduction of the Women’s Premier League: A Game Changer
The discussion naturally gravitates towards the advent of the WPL, an event that has revolutionised women’s cricket in India and beyond. As captain of RCB, Smriti recalls the mixed emotions during the auction, uncertainty blended with excitement, as she wondered who would bid for her. Her relief and joy when RCB won her services were palpable: “I was very happy because [RCB] are nice people, the first part of the pressure was gone because they are nice.”
Smriti’s narration of the 2024 WPL triumph offers a heartfelt glimpse into the highs and lows of leading a team with lofty expectations. The iconic refrain “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year, the trophy is ours) became a rallying cry not just for the team, but for an entire fanbase hungry for glory. She describes the exhilarating moment of victory, the electric atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy stadium, and the unique bond forged within the dressing room, true celebrations grounded in shared struggles and ultimate success.
Beyond the thrill of victory, Smriti highlights the wider implications of the WPL for Indian cricket’s ecosystem. She points out that the WPL has emerged as “the highest paid league across women’s sport in the world without a ball being bowled,” a landmark achievement that underlines its significance in the sporting landscape. This financial investment signals a new level of professionalism and recognition for women’s cricket.
She further reflects on the rapid expansion in popularity, noting, “Every year, we see numbers going high, the TV viewership going high, the generation of revenues going high, and also other franchise cricket, it’s about catching up with WPL now.” This surge in audience engagement and commercial growth has not only energised players but has also pressured franchise competitions worldwide to elevate their standards, ensuring a thriving future for the women’s game globally.
Smriti elaborates how the WPL serves as a critical bridge for domestic players aiming to transition to the international stage, resulting in a considerable rise in competitive standards amongst India’s cricketing talent pool. “The domestic cricket has also gone up quite a lot, so for sure WPL has played a massive impact in terms of for us to get players, and we know who’s ready for international cricket because it’s a proper gap between the domestic cricket and international,” she explains.
Her words underscore the transformative effect of the WPL, not just a tournament, but a catalyst propelling women’s cricket into a new era of opportunity, visibility, and professional excellence. The league has created a vital bridge between domestic and international cricket, spurring the domestic circuit to new standards of performance. Young players now see WPL selection as a tangible goal, driving an injection of talent and competitiveness into the sport.
The Balancing Act of Fame and Identity
Despite her status as a cricketing superstar and adored captain, Smriti remains refreshingly grounded. She credits her family, particularly her parents and brother, for keeping her anchored amidst growing fame. “If those roots haven’t changed, it doesn’t change you a lot,” she explains candidly.
Though she admits public outings in India now come with less anonymity, she embraces this as part of her responsibility and legacy. Her modesty and humour pepper the episode with warmth: Smriti jokes about being the joke-maker’s victim within the team and her aversion to dancing during post-match celebrations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Cricket
The podcast surges forward with an optimistic look at the future. Smriti voices her desire to see more Test matches in women’s cricket, emphasising the importance of longer formats in truly measuring skills. She is excited about the prospect of further closing the gap between leading and emerging nations, envisioning broader visibility and opportunities for women cricketers around the world.
Her quickfire round at the end offers charming glimpses into her personality, from her love of beaches to the superstition of left-pad-first batting rituals, her diplomatic take on who’s more annoying teammate, humanising the athlete beyond her on-field prowess.
A Royal Journey with Smriti Mandhana
With elegance, humility, and unwavering passion, Smriti Mandhana’s conversation in this No Balls Podcast chronicles more than just personal achievements; it echoes the story of an evolving women’s cricket landscape. From a young girl emulating her brother’s batting strokes on Indian streets to becoming a trailblazing leader and symbol of progress, Smriti represents both tradition and transformation.
(Inputs sourced from the BBC-powered Test Match Special’s No Balls Podcast)
