Latest news with #Mandhana
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Business Standard
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Smriti Mandhana backs WMPL boost, vows to guide young Maharashtra talent
Smriti Mandhana, a leading voice in Indian women's cricket, has expressed her excitement over the launch of the Women's Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL), calling it a much-needed step to elevate the game at the grassroots level. As the captain of Ratnagiri Jets, Mandhana believes this initiative will help unearth hidden talent across the state while giving young girls early exposure to the pressures and professionalism of franchise cricket. She sees WMPL as more than just a platform for performance—it's a bridge that connects budding cricketers to higher opportunities, including the Women's Premier League (WPL) and national selection. Smriti emphasised that the league brings not just visibility, but also valuable investment, structure, and a chance for young players to dream bigger, with real pathways to success. Franchise cricket builds maturity, says Mandhana Smriti shared that platforms like WMPL can fast-track young talent, as they simulate the challenges and competitiveness of higher levels. She said this exposure, especially at the age of 14 or 15, is a big step forward—one she and her peers didn't have when they started. According to her, 'When owners come with expectations, it helps players grow up fast and learn to carry responsibility.' She believes this sort of professionalism prepares young girls better for the demands of national and international cricket. Investments bringing real change to women's cricket Mandhana highlighted the role of clubs and associations in bringing structured programmes for women. She admitted that her generation had to learn late about things like fitness and match preparation, often relying on observing international standards. But now, she feels encouraged by the way investment is grooming players from the beginning. 'What men's cricket had for years, we are now beginning to see in the women's game,' she said, expressing optimism that in a few years the Indian side will show marked improvement because of such efforts. Corporate leagues are more than promotion As captain of Ratnagiri Jets, Smriti said she doesn't view WMPL as just a promotional event. 'We've moved beyond the stage of seeking visibility,' she noted. To her, the league represents real growth—where people want to invest because they see potential. She pointed out that such events are proof that women's cricket can bring in revenue, and that itself is a strong statement of where the game is headed. Pressure, motivation, and winning mindsets Smriti spoke candidly about pressure, saying it's part of every match, regardless of past results. Her team had won previous editions in other formats, but she didn't see that as added stress. Instead, she told her squad to view it as motivation. 'Every time you wear a jersey, you want to give your best. That's pressure enough,' she said, underlining her approach as a leader. Leadership rooted in joy and teamwork Mandhana stressed that her message to the team would be simple—enjoy the game, have fun, and build strong memories together. 'What stays with you isn't just the trophy, but the journey you shared with your squad,' she reflected. She also spoke against rigid hierarchies, saying she doesn't believe in seniors versus juniors—only in the balance between more and less experience. Ready to listen, learn, and guide As a senior, Smriti said she doesn't believe mentoring is a one-way street. She recalled her WPL experience, saying even seasoned players like her learn from the energy of younger girls. 'You absorb that spark, and it keeps you going,' she remarked, emphasising that guiding young talent also enriches her own game. Looking ahead: A message to fans With the inaugural season under way, Smriti urged fans to come out and support women's cricket in big numbers. 'I've played in Pune before and we've always received great support,' she recalled fondly. Now leading a Maharashtra side, she said she's proud to represent her home state and is looking forward to creating something special—on and off the field—with the Ratnagiri Jets.
India Gazette
19 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
"Franchise cricket brings different sort of professionalism into sport": Smriti Mandhana
Mumbai(Maharashtra) [India], June 5 (ANI): Indian star batter Smriti Mandhana praised the growing women's T20 leagues trends in Maharashtra, which further helps the prospects of identifying key talent for the national side. 'For state associations, and for Maharashtra as well, to have this sort of platform--where I touched upon the fact that there'll be a lot of eyes from WPL scouts--and also, of course, these sorts of performances can serve as a benchmark for people to get into the state side as well. So, I mean, to have that is great. And more importantly, I always believe that franchise cricket brings a different sort of professionalism into the sport, and for the girls--the state-level girls--to experience that, I'm sure they'll be well-prepped when they go to the next level,' Smriti Mandhana said in a media interaction. So, yeah, I mean, the owners come with a different set of expectations, and playing with that sort of expectation always helps groom players and develop maturity in them. So, I'm sure a lot of Maharashtra girls are going to benefit from it,' she added. Smriti Mandhana shared her views on her association with the Ratnagiri Jets and Jets Club, and the importance of a woman's perspective in having such structured programs for their benefit and future prospects. 'Yeah, I mean, to get that at the age of 14-15 is great. Of course, we got it a little later, so we had to start developing it by looking at international standards. But the best thing about India at this moment, with women's cricket, is the investment that's coming in, and the investment they get to groom a player. I mean, very late in our careers, we realised the importance of fitness and all of those things. But I'm sure the club and the initiative are only going to promote or help them understand more about what is actually needed for the next level, and I'm sure they'll be well-prepped. So, like, clubs and all of these people coming into cricket--I mean, men's cricket already had that--and for them to now come into women's cricket is just amazing,' she said. 'I'm sure a lot of girls are going to benefit from it. In terms of the number of girls getting impacted, it's going to be a lot more, and I'm sure within 3-4 years we'll see the changes and differences, even in the Indian side and their performances,' she added. Mandhana, Speaks as a Captain of Ratnagiri Jets said, on corporate leagues are promoting women's cricket, 'I feel, for women's cricket to have this sort of stage is amazing, and the very fact that state associations and also the WPL--the way they have supported it--shows that, of course, women's cricket can generate revenues, which is an amazing thing for women's cricket. And people are ready to invest money into it. I mean, the more professional the sport gets, it's only going to get better, especially for grassroots-level cricketers. For them, I think this is just amazing. So, from my point of view, of course, promotion is one thing, but I think we are well beyond that in women's cricket. I see it as people being ready to invest, and that shows that women's cricket is growing and people want to watch it.' Mandhana, on winning the title in the inaugural season of WMPL and handling pressure, 'I mean, the first time I spoke to them and they--of course, after the introduction--said they'd won the first two editions, and I was like, 'Oh, okay.' But no, not pressure. I mean, you know, someone who's already won it--and as Devika ma'am said, they've been part of the MPL--so they know what is needed for franchise cricket, especially in state cricket. You know, to have that awareness is amazing, and that's only going to help. I wouldn't take it as pressure. I mean, there is pressure every time you step on the field, so you don't need to take any added pressure. Whenever you wear a jersey and represent a team, you want to do the best for them--so that pressure is always there. But we'll take that as motivation rather than pressure.' Mandhana, message for the team and opinion on leading the side, ' Firstly, I'll, of course, have a nice conversation with them, and the only message which I believe in is: you play cricket to have fun, enjoy, and actually have a really positive environment. Because, like, you win trophies, you don't win trophies--but what you remember is the journey of that one month or those 20 days when we are going to be part of one squad. And that's the only thing. I mean, let's just have a lot of fun together. There's nothing like--I don't really believe in something like senior or junior. It's just more experience and less experience.' 'I mean, when you start playing cricket at a place like I started--of course, I still play whenever I get an opportunity--but you started at Maharashtra, so firstly, to know that Maharashtra is starting a women's league, I was very happy and excited. And of course, whenever the opportunity comes to represent a team, as I said, I mean it's always a new role, an exciting role, so of course, I was really excited and happy. And more importantly, I was very excited for the girls of Maharashtra--I mean, for them to get this platform and to express themselves. So yeah, really looking forward to that,' she added. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Franchise cricket brings different sort of professionalism into sport: Smriti Mandhana
Indian star batter Smriti Mandhana praised the growing women's T20 leagues trends in Maharashtra, which further helps the prospects of identifying key talent for the national side. "For state associations, and for Maharashtra as well, to have this sort of platform--where I touched upon the fact that there'll be a lot of eyes from WPL scouts--and also, of course, these sorts of performances can serve as a benchmark for people to get into the state side as well. So, I mean, to have that is great. And more importantly, I always believe that franchise cricket brings a different sort of professionalism into the sport, and for the girls--the state-level girls--to experience that, I'm sure they'll be well-prepped when they go to the next level," Smriti Mandhana said in a media interaction. So, yeah, I mean, the owners come with a different set of expectations, and playing with that sort of expectation always helps groom players and develop maturity in them. So, I'm sure a lot of Maharashtra girls are going to benefit from it," she added. Smriti Mandhana shared her views on her association with the Ratnagiri Jets and Jets Club, and the importance of a woman's perspective in having such structured programs for their benefit and future prospects. "Yeah, I mean, to get that at the age of 14-15 is great. Of course, we got it a little later, so we had to start developing it by looking at international standards. But the best thing about India at this moment, with women's cricket, is the investment that's coming in, and the investment they get to groom a player. I mean, very late in our careers, we realised the importance of fitness and all of those things. But I'm sure the club and the initiative are only going to promote or help them understand more about what is actually needed for the next level, and I'm sure they'll be well-prepped. So, like, clubs and all of these people coming into cricket--I mean, men's cricket already had that--and for them to now come into women's cricket is just amazing," she said. "I'm sure a lot of girls are going to benefit from it. In terms of the number of girls getting impacted, it's going to be a lot more, and I'm sure within 3-4 years we'll see the changes and differences, even in the Indian side and their performances," she added. Mandhana, Speaks as a Captain of Ratnagiri Jets said, on corporate leagues are promoting women's cricket, "I feel, for women's cricket to have this sort of stage is amazing, and the very fact that state associations and also the WPL--the way they have supported it--shows that, of course, women's cricket can generate revenues, which is an amazing thing for women's cricket. And people are ready to invest money into it. I mean, the more professional the sport gets, it's only going to get better, especially for grassroots-level cricketers. For them, I think this is just amazing. So, from my point of view, of course, promotion is one thing, but I think we are well beyond that in women's cricket. I see it as people being ready to invest, and that shows that women's cricket is growing and people want to watch it." Mandhana, on winning the title in the inaugural season of WMPL and handling pressure, "I mean, the first time I spoke to them and they--of course, after the introduction--said they'd won the first two editions, and I was like, "Oh, okay." But no, not pressure. I mean, you know, someone who's already won it--and as Devika ma'am said, they've been part of the MPL--so they know what is needed for franchise cricket, especially in state cricket. You know, to have that awareness is amazing, and that's only going to help. I wouldn't take it as pressure. I mean, there is pressure every time you step on the field, so you don't need to take any added pressure. Whenever you wear a jersey and represent a team, you want to do the best for them--so that pressure is always there. But we'll take that as motivation rather than pressure." Mandhana, message for the team and opinion on leading the side, " Firstly, I'll, of course, have a nice conversation with them, and the only message which I believe in is: you play cricket to have fun, enjoy, and actually have a really positive environment. Because, like, you win trophies, you don't win trophies--but what you remember is the journey of that one month or those 20 days when we are going to be part of one squad. And that's the only thing. I mean, let's just have a lot of fun together. There's nothing like--I don't really believe in something like senior or junior. It's just more experience and less experience." "I mean, when you start playing cricket at a place like I started--of course, I still play whenever I get an opportunity--but you started at Maharashtra, so firstly, to know that Maharashtra is starting a women's league, I was very happy and excited. And of course, whenever the opportunity comes to represent a team, as I said, I mean it's always a new role, an exciting role, so of course, I was really excited and happy. And more importantly, I was very excited for the girls of Maharashtra--I mean, for them to get this platform and to express themselves. So yeah, really looking forward to that," she added.
India Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Bengaluru stampede: Smriti Mandhana heartbroken as chaos unfolds after IPL final
Indian women's cricketer Smriti Mandhana poured her heart out for the victims of the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).Less than a day after RCB clinched their maiden IPL title with a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the franchise organised a victory the celebration turned into chaos outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. At least 11 people lost their lives and nearly 50 were injured in a stampede outside the venue in Bengaluru on Wednesday during a felicitation ceremony for the RCB team. Organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the event attracted an overwhelming crowd. Although entry was restricted to those with valid tickets and passes, thousands of fans gathered at the venue, hoping to catch a glimpse of their cricketing a key member of RCB's Women's Premier League (WPL) team, shared a heartfelt message offering condolences to the families affected by the to her Instagram story, Mandhana wrote, 'Heartbroken to hear about the lives lost in Bengaluru. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones. Please stay safe everyone.' Courtesy: Smriti Mandhana Instagram advertisementRCB mourns tragic loss of livesAfter the stampede unfolded, the RCB decided to put out a statement, mourning the deaths that took place at the Chinnaswamy."We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings across Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of the utmost importance to us," the RCB statement read."RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.'"Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our programme and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration," the statement far as Mandhana is concerned, she is currently playing for the Ratnagiri Jets in the Maharashtra Premier League updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune In IN THIS STORY#IPL 2025
India Today
21 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Support for WPL shows that women's cricket can generate revenues: Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana highlighted the growth of the Women's Premier League (WPL), stating that it has demonstrated the potential of women's cricket to generate substantial revenue. Since its inception in 2023, the WPL has completed three editions. Mandhana was a part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team that lifted the title last to represent the Ratnagiri Jets in the Maharashtra Premier League 2025, Mandhana expressed that with the rising popularity of women's cricket, more people are now willing to invest in it. She believes the sport will continue to improve, especially at the grassroots Read: Bengaluru stampede: Smriti Mandhana heartbroken as chaos unfolds after IPL final "I feel, for women's cricket to have this sort of stage is amazing, and the very fact that state associations and also the WPL, the way they have supported it shows that, of course, women's cricket can generate revenues, which is an amazing thing for women's cricket," Mandhana said in a release issued by Ratnagiri Jets."And people are ready to invest money into it. I mean, the more professional the sport gets, it's only going to get better, especially for grassroots level cricketers. For them, I think this is just amazing,' Mandhana said.'So, from my point of view, of course, promotion is one thing, but I think we are well beyond that in women's cricket. I see it as people being ready to invest, and that shows that women's cricket is growing and people want to watch it," Mandhana is expected to be in action as the Jets lock horns with the Raigad Royals in Match No.2 of the MPL on Thursday, June 5 in is also expected to play a crucial role for the Indian women in the ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place from September 30 to November 2. The southpaw is currently the second-highest run-scorer for India Women in ODIs, after Mithali Watch
