Since they now know how to compliment one another, Indian opener Smriti Mandhana feels that her improved understanding with opener Shafali Verma over the past two and a half years has paid off.
After adding 2079 runs at an average of 31.98 in 66 T20Is, Mandhana and Shafali—who started opening together in 2019—turned out to be the most productive opening duo for India in the shortest format.
Beginning in 2021, Mandhana and Shafali opened in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). With an average of 34.86, they have amassed 767 runs in 19 games and are poised to become the most successful opening duo in the history of the nation.
In the four T20I matches they have played so far, the duo has amassed 118 runs. “Batting with Shafali is always enjoyable, and I’m very glad about that. I believe that over the past 2.5 years, we have improved our knowledge of which bowlers to target, which ones I can hit, and how to bat in tandem, Mandhana said to T-sports.
“I believe that in the past 2.5 years, there has been an improvement in knowledge on which role to perform. She remarked, “Most of the time when I go, she goes and I try to give her strike. Sometimes she also plays the second fiddle.”
“I think that understanding has come and it’s just going to grow and we start to understand each other better we will be able to give better platform for India to launch specially going into the World Cup and I really hope we both can again” she stated.
Mandhana went on to say that she is pleased with the series’ victories thus far and that they are content to adjust to the new circumstances in front of the ICC T20 World Cup, which will take place in Bangladesh from September to October.
“I really wanted to come here after a good WPL and we’re all bonding so I’m really happy with the way (things are going).” I believe that bowlers have bowled, fielding has been a little inconsistent, and batting has been excellent, so I’m quite happy. We have a goal and a plan for the team as we get ready for the World Cup,” the speaker stated.
According to Mandhana, the WPL is an excellent way for the Indian women’s team to strengthen their bench. “It’s a great competition, it’s been going for two years, and the talent is what really makes it significant for women’s cricket in India. We have also been getting a lot of bench strength and talent from the WPL, and it’s great that there are almost five or six players who are ready for international cricket—that’s all we want.” WPL is similar to a training ground for international cricket,” she continued.
One of India’s top run scorers in all competitions, Mandhana, continued, saying that mastery of the game is the key to success. Mandhana stated, “I believe that the secret to being a player is not having a secret.” “It might just be a matter of being a good student of the game, because after ten years on the world circuit, the game has undergone significant change. I just try to be a good student and know where, how, and what to play. It’s very important to keep things simple and do the same thing every day. That’s all I follow, and I believe that if you do your work correctly, the rest will take care of itself,” she said.
