The stylish opening batter of the Indian Women’s team who had an amazing start to Women’s World Cup was among the top run getters for India. The left-handed batswoman earned heaps of praise after her two brilliant knocks of 90 against England followed by a magnificent hundred against the mighty West Indies in the league stages of the tournament.

Watching her fluency through the off-side many critics started calling her the Sourav Ganguly of Women’s cricket however in an interview during the World Cup she revealed that she draws inspiration from the Sri Lankan legend Kumara Sangakkara. She was often scolded by her childhood coach for copying the maestro.

“I also admire Ganguly, but it is Sangakkara that I relate to. I haven’t really watched Ganguly bat a lot in my young days, whereas, Sangakkara has been an inspiration. Whenever I feel that I am not batting the way I should, I watch videos of Kumar Sangakkara. I like his batting style,” she was heard saying to the press.

When stated about the same, the wicketkeeper-batsman said to Sportstar, “Please convey to Smriti my thanks for mentioning my name. I was humbled to have been mentioned by such a wonderful player as she is,”

Mandhana was ecstatic when she heard the message and immediately thanked him. “Please thank him on my behalf,” was her brief reply.

India was at number 7th spot before the start of the tournament and had to play the qualifiers to participate in the World Cup.  However, India announced their arrival defeating the host England in their first group match. India lost the final only by 9 runs in a cracker of a match to become the runner-up. Despite losing, the women in blue were applauded for the fearless brand of cricket they played.