Latest news with #CityCricketAcademy
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Don't want to think too far ahead': Smriti Mandhana on India's World Cup hopes
Smriti Mandhana of India (Photo by) Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana , with over 9,000 international runs and 1,000-plus boundaries to her name, discussed her preparation for the upcoming 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in a recent conversation on the Cricket Predicta Show. The tournament opener will see hosts India face Sri Lanka on September 30 in Bengaluru, as Mandhana also announced the launch of her new cricket academy in Dubai. Mandhana shared her measured approach to the World Cup preparations with cricket scholar Sunil Yash Kalra. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I have always been a big believer in not thinking too far ahead. We have to focus on the process, do every day right--and that is the aim," Mandhana said. She further emphasized the team's composed mindset heading into the tournament. "Even as a team, everyone's calm. We have got a long road ahead over the next five to six months. I would not like to speak a lot about it. Cricket is such a game--you do your things right, things fall in place. Let us just try and do that well," she stated. Mandhana has expanded her cricket involvement by launching the City Cricket Academy by Smriti Mandhana in Dubai, partnering with UK-based coach Don Bhagawati. Speaking about her partnership with Bhagawati, Mandhana shared her journey from initial apprehension to a close relationship. "This is a great partnership for me," Mandhana said. "Right now, I am focusing more on my cricket, and Don will handle the coaching. I've known Don for many years, and when I first heard his name, I was scared. I wondered, who is this 'Don'? But over time, Don and his family have become like family to me in England." Poll How confident are you in India's chances at the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup? Very confident Somewhat confident Not very confident The academy aims to develop young cricketers' skills while emphasizing joy, purpose, and proper values under Bhagawati's guidance. Mandhana's cricket statistics demonstrate her consistent performance across formats. In Test cricket, she has accumulated 629 runs in 7 matches at an average of 57.18, including 2 centuries and 3 fifties. Her ODI record shows 4,501 runs in 103 matches, averaging 46.4 with a strike rate of 87.93, featuring 11 hundreds and 31 fifties. In T20 internationals, she has scored 3,982 runs in 153 matches at an average of 29.94 and a strike rate of 123.98, with 1 century and 31 fifties. Her World Cup performance includes 559 runs in 16 matches at an average of 37.26, with two centuries and three fifties. Her highest score in the tournament is 123. India's previous best performances in the Women's Cricket World Cup were runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2017. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Smriti Mandhana Remains Grounded Amid 2025 World Cup Excitement: 'Not Thinking...'
Last Updated: Smriti Mandhana, with 9,000+ international runs, is focusing on the process for the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup. She emphasizes calmness and launched City Cricket Academy in Dubai. As the excitement surrounding the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup grows, India's batting star Smriti Mandhana remains grounded. With over 9,000 international runs and a decade-long career marked by calmness and consistency, Mandhana is approaching this period with humility rather than hype. During a conversation with cricket historian Sunil Yash Kalra on the Cricket Predicta Show, Mandhana emphasized her philosophy of staying focused on the present. She expressed, 'I've always been a big believer in not thinking too far ahead. We have to focus on the process, do every day right—and that's the aim." Mandhana, who is set to play a crucial role in India's World Cup campaign, believes collective calmness, rather than anticipation, is key. She noted, 'Even as a team, everyone's calm. We've got a long road ahead over the next five to six months. I wouldn't like to speak a lot about it. Cricket is such a game—you do your things right, things fall in place. Let's just try and do that well." While prioritising India's World Cup preparations, Mandhana is also quietly planning for the future of the sport. She recently launched the City Cricket Academy by Smriti Mandhana in Dubai, an initiative inspired by her long-standing relationship with UK-based coach Don Bhagawati, who will lead the academy's training programs. Statistically, Mandhana is a towering figure in modern cricket. In Tests, she averages 57.18 across 12 innings with two centuries. Her ODI record boasts 4,501 runs at 46.4, and her T20I statistics include 3,982 runs with a strike rate close to 124. Her 1,000+ boundaries across formats reflect her elegance and authority at the crease. (With IANS Inputs) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Smriti Mandhana launches cricket academy in Dubai
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has joined hands with renowned UK-based coach Don Bhagawati to officially launch the City Cricket Academy by Smriti Mandhana at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha—a state-of-the-art cricket development. Designed as a high-performance hub for boys and girls across all age groups, the academy combines Don's two decades of elite coaching experience with Smriti's contemporary insights from the international arena. Don's wife, a former England cricketer, also brings a wealth of experience and empathy to the mentoring process, making this academy a complete ecosystem for young talent. 'Don and his family have always welcomed me like one of their own. City Cricket Academy by Smriti Mandhana isn't just a training facility—it's a place where young cricketers are encouraged to dream big, think deeply, and grow as individuals. Don and his wife truly understand both the mindset of young aspirants and the challenges of elite-level cricket. For me, this is a heartfelt way to give back to the game that's given me everything,' Mandhana said, describing the academy's goal. Coach Don Bhagawati, proud to see the academy take shape in Dubai, praised Smriti's rare and timely commitment: "Smriti personifies the highest level of dedication and integrity in cricket. It's heartening to see that even while performing at the highest level, she has the desire to give back. Since the first women's match since the 1700s, this may well be one of the first times a global icon has stepped into a grassroots leadership role while still playing. I'm incredibly proud of her, and I believe City Cricket Academy will enrich the game for generations to come." Mandhana, recently conferred the BCCI's Best International Cricketer of the Year (Women) for the 2023–24 season,was one of the top picks ahead of the WMPL player auctions. She will play for the Ratnagiri Jets. 'I'm thrilled to join the Ratnagiri Jets family as their icon player. The franchise has demonstrated success in the MPL and a clear vision for the women's game. I'm excited to play a part in shaping the next chapter of this journey and cannot wait to hit the ground running with my new teammates. Together, we aim to inspire and win hearts both on and off the field," she said.
