EXCLUSIVE | If not a cricketer, I’d be a chef: Smriti Mandhana

From watching her brother go for cricket training sessions to the entire nation cheering for her, Smriti Mandhana has come a long way in her cricket journey to become one of the most formidable players of the Indian women's cricket team. Her path in the sport is studded with multiple achievements and records.

• First Indian woman player to score a double-century in an ODI match at any level (2013)
• Only Indian woman player to win the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year twice (2018 and 2021)
• First captain to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to the Women's Premier League (WPL) trophy (2024)

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The vice-captain of the Indian women's cricket team added more feathers to her cap in the recently concluded series against South Africa, becoming the only Indian woman cricketer to score consecutive ODI centuries and matching Mithali Raj in scoring most ODI centuries (7) for India.

While these records are a testament to her skill, there's more to her than the facts and figures you see. Ahead of the 2024 Women's Asia Cup, mid-day.com caught up with Mandhana to discuss her cricketing journey, unconventional life choices and interests beyond the sport.

"I have always loved cricket."

The Arjuna award-winning cricketer made her international debut in 2013, at the age of 16. What made her choose cricket (and ace it) at such a young age, we ask?

"I've always loved cricket, even as a child. Like most kids, I remember batting was my favourite part of gully cricket. I later realised there was much more to the game," Mandhana admits.

Her love for the game germinated from a seed sown by her family, her father and brother having played domestic cricket.

"Actually, watching my parents take my brother to training sessions sparked my interest. My father always dreamt of his children representing the country, so cricket was a frequent topic at home. What sealed the deal for me was seeing my brother play in Under-16 tournaments. The initial sparks turned into dreams for me as he excelled at the junior level, with his name appearing in local newspapers," she reveals.

"Despite the challenges and doubts about making cricket my profession, I made a bold choice and took the leap, and here we are today," she adds.

"Anyone can pursue cricket."

Unfortunately, cricket had long been considered a men's sport - a social mindset that was evident by the popularity divide between men's and women's cricket. However, this distinction is gradually reducing, bringing back focus on the sport and not the gender.

Reflecting on the role gender plays in the sport, she says, "Cricket, to me, is simply a sport where anyone, regardless of gender, can pursue their passion."

She continues, "I am fortunate to come from a family that never differentiated between boys and girls. I've had the freedom to make choices throughout my life and have always been supported by my family."

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"Fitness is very important."

A sportsperson's life is characterised by intense training, which requires a disciplined lifestyle shift.

"I believe that discipline is crucial when striving to achieve something and staying disciplined should be a deliberate decision. As a cricketer, prioritising fitness is very important. Working towards fitness is a form of self-care and brings me a sense of alignment and discipline in life," says Mandhana.

In a game that demands high pace and stamina, fitness is given as much importance as skill. Not only is it a crucial factor in playing well but also instrumental in recovering quickly from injuries. Being well aware of this, Mandhana dedicates considerable time to daily fitness activities. We ask, how?

"I kickstart my day with a good breakfast and hit the gym afterward. Even though it can be tough, I usually enjoy it. Endurance training is key for cricket because it helps prevent muscle fatigue. After that, I plan out my day based on what needs to get done, especially focusing on training sessions," the left-handed opening batter reveals.

"I also try to find a bit of "me time" whenever I can," she adds, upon being asked what else a day in her life entails.

"Cooking is a passion for me."

Everyone knows who Smriti Mandhana is on the cricket field. The world associates her with her performance and achievements. However, we were curious to know who she is beyond cricket and what she does when she is not on the pitch.

"I enjoy gaming," she is quick to respond.

"Cooking is another passion of mine. I enjoy cooking immensely whenever I have the time," she reveals, adding, "If I weren't a cricketer, I'd pursue a career as a chef. This interest is what inspired me to open the SM 18 Cafe."

The SM 18 Café by Smriti Mandhana is located in Sangli, her hometown. The 18 in the name matches her jersey number.

"We have created countless memories together."

The path to success becomes easier when you have people who support you and believe in you. Mandhana agrees.

"As I mentioned earlier, my family is the main reason I got into cricket. They have been incredibly supportive, standing by me through every high and low," she says.

But her family is not the only support system to have made her journey memorable. "When it comes to my teammates, we constantly root for each other and have created countless memories together. What I value most is the support and camaraderie during challenging times," she adds.

Smriti Mandhana celebrating with her teammates after a win (Pic: AFP)

"Embrace bold choices."

From choosing to become a sportsperson to emerging as a top cricketer, Mandhana's journey has been shaped by unconventional choices.

Ruminating about the same, she says, "A piece of advice that I always carry with me wherever I go is to be authentic and take the leap by making bold choices in life. It might be daunting, but it promises a rewarding future."

Mandhana's persistence to carve her path has also led her to collaborate with cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Vidyut Jammwal on a new TV ad campaign ‘Choosebold 2.0' for Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water. The campaign celebrates people who play fearlessly by their own rules and embody the spirit of boldness.

Sharing a message for today's youth, she says, "I believe in breaking barriers and forging my path in both cricket and life. I see tremendous potential in today's youngsters, and I would urge them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace bold choices. Choosing an unconventional path often brings skepticism and criticism but rather than letting it discourage you, use it as a source of motivation."